How Qatar Will Combat The Heat At World Cup 2022
The FIFA World Cup is almost upon us with the countdown on to the kick-off in Qatar. This will be the first time the World Cup has visited the Arab World, and organisers are out to make a lasting impression. They are keen to put on a show before the eyes of the watching world, proving the area has the infrastructure, finances and technology to host the event.
With the United States, Canada and Mexico set to host World Cup 2026, this is a golden opportunity for Qatar to hand the tournament over in great shape. What challenges has Qatar faced in preparing for planet football’s favourite tournament? What can we expect from the nation, and does their Qatar football team, having qualified for the first time due to their status as hosts, have any chance of lifting the trophy? This article investigates, aiming to answer those questions and more.
By the end of the page, you will have an understanding of what Qatar is trying to achieve, what football pundits expect from the team and who the favourites are at the top online betting apps. The World Cup 2022 will be a momentous occasion, and it’s our job to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy the show.
Challenges
• World Cup had never been staged in the Arab World.
• A lack of recognised football stadiums that met FIFA criteria.
• Searing summer temperatures that made playing and watching sports dangerous.
When preparing to bid for the 2022 World Cup, it was obvious Qatar didn’t have a leg to stand on. The tournament had never been staged in the region before; the country had no football arenas that made the criteria for World Cup matches, and the summers are long and hot. Terribly hot.
It was no surprise to see Qatar written off as the outsiders to win their bid to host the matches, but there was something special about the approach. Qatar believed that it was time the World Cup came to a new part of the globe. It is the World Cup, after all. Why should Europe and South America be dominant?
Thankfully for those working on behalf of Team Qatar, FIFA saw things the same way as they did. But they did need some strong assurances that the finances were in place and the builders on standby. Critics argued that Qatar should never have been given the responsibility of hosting the world for a party, but those doubters must prepare to eat humble pie as Qatar’s preparations are on track.
Solutions
• Build modern, stunning and environmentally friendly stadiums.
• Move matches to later in the year to avoid the heat.
• Create an infrastructure that allows visiting fans to travel around the country.
While many saw hosting the World Cup as a feat beyond them, Qatar saw it as an opportunity to show the world. A challenge and it was one they were only too happy to accept.
Work immediately began constructing new stadiums, and, with the big kick-off just months away, Qatar now has eight stadiums in five host cities, training grounds, and hotels for the teams to set up their base. The jewel in the crown of Qatar’s newbuilds is the 80,000 Lusail Iconic Stadium which will host the opening ceremony and first match as well as the final and closing ceremony.
What was their answer to the heat? After much debate, the World Cup was moved from the summer months of June and July to the cooler months of November and December. That decision made Qatar the first World Cup not to be played in summer.
Expectations
Will Qatar make history and win the World Cup, delighting the home fans and writing the nation into the history books? It’s possible at this stage, of course, but not likely. Qatar has been dropped into Group A alongside the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal.
The Dutch are the favourites to win the pool and qualify for the knockout rounds, but there’s no reason why Qatar won’t finish second. To achieve that, they must see off Ecuador on matchday one, and if they can achieve that, they will have half a chance.
