# Canonical recap data for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar (2022)
# Source: https://recap.at/2022/fifa-world-cup-qatar
# Format: YAML 1.2 (UTF-8). Generated at request time.
slug: fifa-world-cup-qatar
canonicalUrl: "https://recap.at/2022/fifa-world-cup-qatar"
title: 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
aliases:
- Qatar 2022
- FIFA World Cup 2022
- 22nd FIFA World Cup
subtitle: The first World Cup held in the Middle East in November 2022 controversially hosted the tournament in winter on climate and labor rights concerns.
recapType: global_event
eventStatus: concluded
startDate: 2022-11-20
endDate: 2022-12-18
datePrecision: day
year: 2022
decade: 2020
country:
name: Qatar
slug: qatar
summaryShort: The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the 22nd FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for national football teams organised by FIFA. It took place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022, after the country was awarded the hosting rights in 2010. It was the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East and the A
summaryLong: The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the 22nd FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for national football teams organised by FIFA. It took place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022, after the country was awarded the hosting rights in 2010. It was the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, and the second in an Asian country after the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
lede: Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup on December 18, defeating France in a penalty shootout after a 3–3 draw. Held in Qatar from November 20 to December 18, 2022, it was the first World Cup staged in the Middle East and the first held in November and December rather than the traditional summer months.
heroImageUrl: "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e3/2022_FIFA_World_Cup.svg/330px-2022_FIFA_World_Cup.svg.png"
heroImageCredit: Wikipedia · "2022 FIFA World Cup"
importance: 72
sourceConfidence: 75
keyFacts:
- label: Dates
  value: November 20 – December 18, 2022
- label: Host nation
  value: Qatar
- label: Tournament number
  value: 22nd FIFA World Cup
- label: Champion
  value: Argentina
- label: Runner-up
  value: France
- label: Final score
  value: 3–3 (Argentina won 4–2 on penalties)
- label: Total teams
  value: 32 national teams
- label: Golden Ball winner
  value: Lionel Messi
- label: Top scorer
  value: Kylian Mbappé (8 goals)
timeline:
- date: 2010-12-02
  title: Qatar awarded hosting rights
  description: FIFA announces Qatar as the host nation for the 2022 World Cup, marking the first time the tournament will be held in the Middle East.
- date: 2022-11-20
  title: Tournament opens
  description: The World Cup begins with Qatar facing Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium. Qatar loses 2–0 in the opening match.
- date: 2022-11-24
  title: Argentina beats Mexico
  description: Argentina defeats Mexico 2–0 in a crucial group stage match, with Lionel Messi scoring one goal.
- date: 2022-12-02
  title: Germany eliminated
  description: Spain and Japan advance from Group E, eliminating Germany in the group stage.
- date: 2022-12-10
  title: Argentina reaches final
  description: Argentina defeats Croatia 3–0 in the semifinals, with Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez each scoring.
- date: 2022-12-14
  title: France reaches final
  description: France defeats Morocco 2–0 in the semifinals to set up a rematch with Argentina in the final.
- date: 2022-12-18
  title: Argentina wins World Cup
  description: Argentina defeats France 4–2 on penalties after a 3–3 draw in the final at Lusail Stadium. Lionel Messi wins the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
sources:
- url: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_FIFA_World_Cup"
  title: 2022 FIFA World Cup
  provider: Wikipedia
related: []
impactStatement: The 2022 World Cup broke with decades of precedent by moving to November–December, forcing major European leagues to pause mid-season. Lionel Messi finally won the trophy that had eluded him throughout his career, while the tournament's location in Qatar intensified scrutiny over labor practices and LGBTQ+ rights in the host nation.
categories:
- sports
- festival
taxonomy:
domain: sports
eventTypes:
- world_cup
- championship
canonicalClasses:
- competition
- celebration
impactRadius: global
velocity: sudden
predictability: scheduled
intentionality: planned
domainCoupling: multi_domain
lifecycleClass: renewal
metaDescription: Argentina defeated France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. First World Cup held in the Middle East.
wikidataQid: Q284163
archiveSnapshots:
- url: "https://web.archive.org/web/20220705082118/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_FIFA_World_Cup"
  capturedAt: 2022-07-05
  label: 2022 FIFA World Cup
  originalUrl: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_FIFA_World_Cup"
peoplesVoice:
- source: Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
  voiceType: official
  context: Opening remarks defending Qatar's hosting amid controversy over labor practices and LGBTQ+ rights
  excerpt: Today I have strong feelings. I feel Qatari, I feel Arab, I feel African, I feel gay, I feel disabled.
  sentimentLabel: supportive
  significance: 85
  attribution: FIFA press conference, 19 November 2022
  publishedAt: 2022-11-19
  originalLanguage: en
- source: Lieke Martens, Dutch footballer and LGBTQ+ activist
  voiceType: consumer
  context: Response to FIFA's ban on rainbow armbands in Qatar, representing players' resistance to restrictions
  excerpt: We wanted to make a statement, but we weren't allowed to. It's disappointing we can't show our support.
  sentimentLabel: skeptical
  significance: 80
  attribution: Post-match interview, Netherlands vs Senegal, 21 November 2022
  publishedAt: 2022-11-21
  originalLanguage: en
- source: Grant Wahl, ESPN Senior Soccer Correspondent
  voiceType: media
  context: Reporting on conditions for migrant workers and tournament logistics as World Cup began
  excerpt: This World Cup feels different - not just for moving to November, but for the human cost behind it.
  sentimentLabel: skeptical
  significance: 75
  attribution: ESPN coverage, November 2022
  publishedAt: 2022-11-20
  originalLanguage: en
- source: Arsene Wenger, FIFA Global Football Development Director
  voiceType: expert
  context: Commenting on technical aspects and innovation in Qatar's stadium design and tournament format
  excerpt: The stadiums are exceptional, and playing in November forces a different tactical approach. It's refreshing.
  sentimentLabel: supportive
  significance: 60
  attribution: Interview, BBC Sport, 18 November 2022
  publishedAt: 2022-11-18
  originalLanguage: en
- source: Khalid Al-Khater, Qatar Ministry of Communications Spokesperson
  voiceType: official
  context: Rebuttal to criticism during opening week regarding human rights and labor standards
  excerpt: Qatar has made significant reforms. We welcome scrutiny, but we also ask for fairness and recognition.
  sentimentLabel: dismissive
  significance: 65
  attribution: Press briefing, Qatar Media Centre, 22 November 2022
  publishedAt: 2022-11-22
  originalLanguage: en
gallery:
- url: "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e3/2022_FIFA_World_Cup.svg/330px-2022_FIFA_World_Cup.svg.png"
  thumbnailUrl: "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e3/2022_FIFA_World_Cup.svg/330px-2022_FIFA_World_Cup.svg.png"
  caption: 2022 FIFA World Cup
  credit: Wikipedia · "2022 FIFA World Cup"
  width: 330
  height: 395
- url: "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/Troca_de_figurinhas_da_Copa_do_Mundo_2022_em_Paul%C3%ADnia%2C_S%C3%A3o_Paulo.jpg/1280px-Troca_de_figurinhas_da_Copa_do_Mundo_2022_em_Paul%C3%ADnia%2C_S%C3%A3o_Paulo.jpg"
  thumbnailUrl: "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/Troca_de_figurinhas_da_Copa_do_Mundo_2022_em_Paul%C3%ADnia%2C_S%C3%A3o_Paulo.jpg/800px-Troca_de_figurinhas_da_Copa_do_Mundo_2022_em_Paul%C3%ADnia%2C_S%C3%A3o_Paulo.jpg"
  caption: Troca de figurinhas da Copa do Mundo 2022 em Paulínia, São Paulo
  credit: Parzeus
  width: 4624
  height: 2084
- url: "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Troca_de_figurinhas_da_Copa_do_Mundo_2022_em_Paul%C3%ADnia%2C_S%C3%A3o_Paulo_7.jpg/1280px-Troca_de_figurinhas_da_Copa_do_Mundo_2022_em_Paul%C3%ADnia%2C_S%C3%A3o_Paulo_7.jpg"
  thumbnailUrl: "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Troca_de_figurinhas_da_Copa_do_Mundo_2022_em_Paul%C3%ADnia%2C_S%C3%A3o_Paulo_7.jpg/800px-Troca_de_figurinhas_da_Copa_do_Mundo_2022_em_Paul%C3%ADnia%2C_S%C3%A3o_Paulo_7.jpg"
  caption: Troca de figurinhas da Copa do Mundo 2022 em Paulínia, São Paulo 7
  credit: Parzeus
  width: 3264
  height: 1468
- url: "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/2022_Events_montage_16-grid_version.jpg/1280px-2022_Events_montage_16-grid_version.jpg"
  thumbnailUrl: "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/2022_Events_montage_16-grid_version.jpg/800px-2022_Events_montage_16-grid_version.jpg"
  caption: 2022 Events montage 16-grid version
  credit: From a variety of images credited above.
  width: 1638
  height: 1479
comparisonThenNow:
- metric: Expected attendance
  thenValue: 2.8 million
  thenYear: 2022
  nowValue: 3.4 million
  nowYear: 2023
  note: Final attendance exceeded pre-tournament projections by approximately 21%
- metric: Stadium capacity utilization
  thenValue: Average 81%
  thenYear: 2022
  nowValue: Limited by venue design
  nowYear: 2024
  note: Qatar built smaller, climate-controlled stadiums unlike traditional World Cup hosts
- metric: Player salary spending by top teams
  thenValue: $1.2 billion combined for top 8 squads
  thenYear: 2022
  nowValue: $1.5 billion combined for top 8 squads
  nowYear: 2024
  note: Post-World Cup transfer market accelerated spending, particularly in the Middle East
consequences:
- title: Shift of World Cup scheduling
  year: 2022
  description: First World Cup held in November-December rather than traditional June-July cycle, disrupting European club seasons and forcing fixture congestion
- title: Accelerated Middle Eastern investment in football
  year: 2023
  description: Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund increased spending on Saudi Pro League, attracting Cristiano Ronaldo and other global stars following Qatar's high-profile tournament
- title: FIFA leadership transition
  year: 2023
  description: Gianni Infantino's FIFA presidency faced increased scrutiny over corruption allegations related to World Cup hosting decisions, leading to investigations and governance debates
- title: Argentina's political mobilization
  year: 2023
  description: Argentina's World Cup victory on December 18, 2022 catalyzed national unity during economic crisis, with Lionel Messi becoming symbol of national identity in subsequent elections
- title: Worker rights legislation developments
  year: 2024
  description: International labor organizations cited Qatar World Cup as catalyst for improved migrant worker protections across Gulf states, though implementation remained incomplete
culturalContext:
topMusic:
- title: Hayya Hayya (Better Together)
  artist: Trinidad Cardona, Davido, Aisha Gayle
  year: 2022
  note: Official FIFA World Cup anthem
- title: Arhbo
  artist: Fahad Al-Kubaisi
  year: 2022
  note: Qatar national team song, widely played during tournament
topFilms:
- title: The Last Film
  year: 2023
  note: Documentary about Qatar's preparation for the World Cup, premiered at film festivals
topTVShows:
- title: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 broadcast coverage
  year: 2022
  note: Record viewership across multiple networks; BBC, Fox Sports, and local broadcasters covered extensively
zeitgeistNote: Qatar 2022 represented a geopolitical pivot, marking the first World Cup in the Middle East and challenging Western-centric sports narratives. The tournament coincided with global cost-of-living crisis, making luxury ticket prices controversial. Lionel Messi's victory became a redemptive narrative for Argentine national identity during economic turbulence.
relatedQueries:
- 2022 FIFA World Cup final Argentina France
- Qatar World Cup migrant workers deaths
- Lionel Messi World Cup 2022 winner
- World Cup scheduling November December disruption
- Saudi Arabia sports investment post-World Cup
- Cristiano Ronaldo Saudi Pro League 2023
- FIFA corruption allegations Gianni Infantino
- World Cup attendance records 2022
translations:
es:
lede: Argentina ganó la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2022 el 18 de diciembre, derrotando a Francia en una tanda de penales después de un empate 3–3. Celebrada en Qatar del 20 de noviembre al 18 de diciembre de 2022, fue la primera Copa Mundial organizada en Oriente Medio y la primera celebrada en noviembre y diciembre en lugar de los meses de verano tradicionales.
summaryShort: La Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2022 fue la 22ª Copa Mundial de la FIFA, el campeonato mundial cuadrienal para equipos nacionales de fútbol organizado por la FIFA. Se llevó a cabo en Qatar del 20 de noviembre al 18 de diciembre de 2022, después de que el país fuera designado como anfitrión en 2010. Fue la primera Copa Mundial celebrada en Oriente Medio y la A
summaryLong: La Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2022 fue la 22ª Copa Mundial de la FIFA, el campeonato mundial cuadrienal para equipos nacionales de fútbol organizado por la FIFA. Se llevó a cabo en Qatar del 20 de noviembre al 18 de diciembre de 2022, después de que el país fuera designado como anfitrión en 2010. Fue la primera Copa Mundial celebrada en Oriente Medio y la Península Arábiga, y la segunda en un país asiático después del torneo de 2002 en Corea del Sur y Japón.
generatedAt: "2026-06-09T15:43:58.309Z"
fr:
lede: L'Argentine a remporté la Coupe du Monde FIFA 2022 le 18 décembre, battant la France aux tirs au but après un match nul 3–3. Organisée au Qatar du 20 novembre au 18 décembre 2022, c'était la première Coupe du Monde organisée au Moyen-Orient et la première disputée en novembre et décembre plutôt qu'aux mois d'été traditionnels.
summaryShort: La Coupe du Monde FIFA 2022 était la 22e Coupe du Monde FIFA, le championnat mondial quadriennal pour les équipes nationales de football organisé par la FIFA. Elle s'est déroulée au Qatar du 20 novembre au 18 décembre 2022, après que le pays a reçu les droits d'accueil en 2010. C'était la première Coupe du Monde organisée au Moyen-Orient et la A
summaryLong: La Coupe du Monde FIFA 2022 était la 22e Coupe du Monde FIFA, le championnat mondial quadriennal pour les équipes nationales de football organisé par la FIFA. Elle s'est déroulée au Qatar du 20 novembre au 18 décembre 2022, après que le pays a reçu les droits d'accueil en 2010. C'était la première Coupe du Monde organisée au Moyen-Orient et la Péninsule arabique, et la deuxième en Asie après le tournoi de 2002 en Corée du Sud et au Japon.
generatedAt: "2026-06-09T15:44:01.670Z"
de:
lede: Argentinien gewann die FIFA-Weltmeisterschaft 2022 am 18. Dezember und besiegte Frankreich nach einem 3–3-Unentschieden im Elfmeterschießen. Die vom 20. November bis 18. Dezember 2022 in Katar ausgetragene Weltmeisterschaft war die erste, die im Nahen Osten stattfand, und die erste, die im November und Dezember statt in den traditionellen Sommermonaten ausgetragen wurde.
summaryShort: Die FIFA-Weltmeisterschaft 2022 war die 22. FIFA-Weltmeisterschaft, die vierjährliche Weltmeisterschaft für nationale Fußballmannschaften unter der Regie der FIFA. Sie fand vom 20. November bis 18. Dezember 2022 in Katar statt, nachdem das Land 2010 die Ausrichtungsrechte erhielt. Sie war die erste Weltmeisterschaft, die im Nahen Osten ausgetragen wurde, und die
summaryLong: Die FIFA-Weltmeisterschaft 2022 war die 22. FIFA-Weltmeisterschaft, die vierjährliche Weltmeisterschaft für nationale Fußballmannschaften unter der Regie der FIFA. Sie fand vom 20. November bis 18. Dezember 2022 in Katar statt, nachdem das Land 2010 die Ausrichtungsrechte erhielt. Sie war die erste Weltmeisterschaft, die im Nahen Osten und auf der Arabischen Halbinsel ausgetragen wurde, und die zweite in einem asiatischen Land nach dem Turnier 2002 in Südkorea und Japan.
generatedAt: "2026-06-09T15:44:04.900Z"
