Several sources believe that the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be played in November and December of that year in Qatar. However, FIFA has yet to officially announce the tournament and is waiting for the final decision by its Executive Committee. It is likely that the matches will take place in eight venues across five cities. The tournament is expected to generate $6 billion in revenue.
Qatar was awarded the right to host the tournament more than a decade ago. Since then, the country has invested heavily in infrastructure, player development, and coaching. The country is now ranked in the top 50 of the FIFA World Ranking. However, the country has also been subject to international criticism over its efforts to curb alcohol consumption.
As the country began to prepare for the tournament, officials sought to make Qatar appear on the world stage. The ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, made a statement during the opening ceremony, urging unity.
In addition to the opening ceremony, the first match of the tournament took place between hosts Qatar and Ecuador. In the opening minutes of the game, Ecuador captain Enner Valencia scored a goal. However, the goal was ruled offside by the Video Assistant Referee. It was later clarified that the goal was offside only when Enner Valencia first flapped the ball.
There have also been questions over the amount of alcohol that is sold to fans at games in Qatar. Local organizers have insisted that fans can purchase alcohol. However, local laws have stipulations about the amount that can be purchased. It is difficult for women to obtain emergency contraception, and women in Qatar are only allowed to obtain a marriage certificate to access certain forms of sexual health care.
However, the government of Qatar has tried to quell the rising tension over beer sales. Budweiser’s red tents will no longer be visible around stadiums. Fans can purchase alcohol at upscale hotel bars. However, alcohol is priced at a much higher rate than other countries.
The FIFA World Cup has not always been the smoothest ride. A series of scandals have rocked the tournament. However, there are still many fans who will be looking forward to the tournament. There are many teams to look forward to, including Belgium, Brazil, and France. However, there are also some teams that are likely to be eliminated in the group stage.
Aside from the beer ban, FIFA is still battling with the Qatari government over its labor reforms. The reforms were not enough to benefit workers. The governing body is also facing pressure from a group of boycotting nations. In addition, FIFA has signed the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which is intended to help it identify and address human rights abuses. The FIFA Executive Committee will make the final decision on the issue next month.
As for the XI that England will field in the opening match against Iran, Gareth Southgate is still deliberating over whether to start Foden, Saka, or Saka.
