Is it true that Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, considering the controversies surrounding the selection process, the concerns about human rights issues related to the construction of the stadiums and infrastructure, the intense summer heat requiring air-conditioned stadiums, and the significant shift in the usual tournament timing?
Answer
Yes, Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
The tournament took place from November 20 to December 18, 2022. This was the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab world, and the second held entirely in Asia after the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan. It was also the last World Cup to involve 32 teams, as the number of participating teams will increase to 48 for the 2026 tournament.
The final was played between Argentina and France, with Argentina winning 4–2 on penalties after a 3–3 draw. Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, and Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot as the top goalscorer.
The selection of Qatar as the host nation generated significant controversy, regarding the country’s human rights record, treatment of migrant workers, climate and suitability for hosting a major sporting event, and alleged corruption in the bidding process. Despite the controversy, Qatar completed the construction of state-of-the-art stadiums and infrastructure for the event. The tournament was attended by millions of fans from around the world and generated significant revenue.