The 2022 FIFA World Cup will be the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab homeland.

It is a request from the Southern American Football Confederation for hosts Qatar to play Ecuador a day earlier than previously planned. According to the news, the FIFA Council, led by Gianni Infantino, may make a decision this week.

If it happens and the change is approved, the Tournament will commence on November 20 and run for 29 days respectively. Qatar will be given an exclusive game on day one, as the schedule currently stands; the Qatar-Ecuador is just one of the four matches set come November 21.

Although FIFA is confident that there will be minimal reactions from fans, hence, the league will deal with any issues on a case-to-case manner, if may arise.

Qatar had the rights for the world cup since 2010, overcoming issues like high temperatures and lack of infrastructure. The country is set to attract 1.2 million visitors during the said world cup event and forecast an increase of $17 billion in terms of economy. 

The country would like to use this event to channel fast expansion to an energy-exporting power and transit hub. 

Yet, the Tournament has been plagued with controversies, including over the treatment of migrant workers, many from poorer countries.

What to Expect

Given that the three of the world’s top leagues have kicked off, the 2022 World Cup is beginning to feel about to happen.

Brazil is still at the number one spot in the FIFA ranking. 

Belgium ranks two. Although “The Golden Generation is slowly breaking up but there’s still Kevin De  Bruyne leading the Belgian charge.   

Argentina ranks three. This team has no world cup title since the passing of great Diego Maradona. It will also be the first world cup since November 2020 and the team is improving with Messi. 

France ranks four. Still the country with the most depth squad. The Defending Champions.

USMNT U.S Coach Gregg Berhalter is expected to name his squad 10 days before the Americans’s Nov. 21 World Cup opener against Wales.

Big Stars

Lionel Messi of Argentina.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal who won the European Championship but the leading scorer in men’s international soccer has not played in a world cup.

Kylian Mbapp, France. The star of the World Cup at the age of 19.

Kevin de Bruyne, Belgium. Widely regarded as the world’s best midfielder whose driving runs are among the best.

Neymar, Brazil. Overshadowed by Mbapp and Messi at Paris Saint-Germain. Yet, still the man for Brazil.

How it works

There will be four games back-to-back per day. For each of the first two sets of group games, then concurrent starts for the last two games in each squad.

No break for the knockout stage, which begins the day after the group stage ends.

First day without soccer comes on December 7, the 17^th day of competition.

Must-see 

Senegal vs Netherlands

Argentina vs Mexico

Iran vs United States

Ghana vs Uruguay

Upcoming

The Nations League qualifiers taking place from September 22-27 will represent the teams’ final matches before the World Cup. 

Italy vs England – Sept 23 

Netherlands vs Belgium – Sept 25 

England vs Germany – Sept 26 

Portugal vs Spain – Sept 27.

US vs Japan – Sept 23