This year is the 22nd FIFA World Cup, starting on the 20th of November and ending on the 18th December. The estimated cost is $220 billion. This will make it the most expensive World Cup ever held.
All matches will be held in Qatar in 8 venues across 5 cities. This makes it the second time the FIFA World Cup has been hosted in the whole of Asia. The first time being in Japan and South Korea in 2002.
The first match was contested between Qatar and Ecuador. It has been said to be the last tournament with 32 teams, as the field is set to increase to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The choice for Qatar to host the World Cup has received criticism for the country’s lack of football history and their poor human right record including, treatment to migrant workers, women and LGBT rights, for around 100,000 people since 2010. Despite this FIFA has still decided to host there.
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By Poppy Yr7
Boston High School
On the football front it does seem to be a tournament everyone is enjoying, a few surprise results in there!