What was the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was the 22nd edition of the tournament, held from 20 November to 18 December 2022. It was the first World Cup staged in the Arab world and the first held entirely within a single nation in November–December. Matches took place across eight stadiums, with Argentina winning the title by defeating France in a penalty shootout after a 3–3 draw in the final. This profile summarises verified dates, venues, results, and key records from the event.
Host selection and context
Qatar was selected as host in December 2010, triggering large-scale infrastructure development. The tournament was moved to late 2022 to avoid extreme summer heat, marking the first November–December World Cup. Organisations including FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy oversaw planning, with a focus on stadium readiness, transport, and legacy use post-event.
Tournament dates and schedule
The competition followed a condensed calendar, with all matches completed in under a month. The schedule allowed one rest day for most teams and minimised travel distance by grouping fixtures within each venue city.
| Phase | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Opening match | 20 November 2022 | Host Qatar vs Ecuador |
| Group stage | 20 November – 2 December 2022 | 48 matches across 8 venues |
| Knockout stage | 3–18 December 2022 | Round of 16 to final |
| Final | 18 December 2022 | Argentina vs France |
Venues and infrastructure
Eight stadiums were used, five of which were newly built for the tournament. Stadium locations were concentrated to reduce travel times, with metro extensions and upgraded road networks supporting access. Post-event plans included repurposing venues for community use and sports programmes.
Stadium overview
- Lusail Iconic Stadium – capacity 80,000; hosted final
- Al Bayt Stadium – capacity 60,000; opened with ceremonial roof motif
- Education City Stadium – capacity 40,000; known for translucent roof design
- Khalifa International Stadium – renovated with cooler-tech pitch
Participating teams and qualification
Thirty-two national teams qualified through continental tournaments and play-offs. Debutants included Ghana, Switzerland, and several others, while some traditional powers required extra playoffs to secure spots. Each squad was required to register a final roster of 26 players.
Match results and key records
Argentina won their third title, France were runners-up, and Croatia secured third place. Several individual records were set or equalled, including most goals in a single tournament and clean sheets by a goalkeeper.
| Record | Detail | Player | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most goals | 8 | Kylian Mbappé (France) | FIFA match reports |
| Most assists | 7 | Lionel Messi (Argentina) | FIFA official stats |
| Most clean sheets | 5 | Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) | FIFA tournament summary |
| Youngest goal scorer | 18 years 337 days | Enzo Fernández (Argentina) | FIFA verified data |
Tactics and style
Teams employed varied formations, from traditional 4-3-3 to hybrid systems. Argentina’s high pressing and quick transitions were a notable feature, while France countered with structured build-up and vertical play. The compact schedule and indoor training facilities encouraged focused preparation and recovery routines.
Controversies and legacy
Pre-tournament discussions highlighted human rights, labour conditions, and sustainability concerns. Organisers pointed to lasting infrastructure, public transport upgrades, and community facilities as core legacies. The event accelerated conversations about mega-sport events in compact, urban environments.
Key takeaways
- First World Cup held entirely in November–December
- Eight venues, five new stadiums built for the tournament
- Argentina crowned champions after a penalty shootout in the final
- Several individual records were equalled or set
- Tournament emphasised legacy planning and urban integration
References
Information in this article is drawn from official FIFA match reports, tournament data summaries, and verified organisational releases available through 2024.
tags
FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar World Cup, World Cup 2022 facts, verified tournament data, Argentina World Cup 2022