LET THE BALL ROLL

After 12 years in the making, Qatar is ready to host the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East. OHLALA brings some interesting facts, where to watch and more.

Chief Executive Officer, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Nasser Al Khater, said: “Qatar is ready to welcome the world and host a unique edition of the FIFA World Cup –the first to take place in the Middle East and Arab world. Fans can expect top-class international football and a vast array of entertainment options.”

Amongst many firsts in the 92-year existence of the tournament, it is the only time it’s being held during winter. With eight state-of-the-art stadiums poised for action, Qatar is ready to deliver the first World Cup in the Gulf. At least 1.2 million football fans are expected to descend on Doha to witness this piece of sporting history happening in the region.

A total of 32 teams will fight for the cup in 64 matches between November 20 and December 18, with the first Group A game taking place after the opening ceremony between the host country and Ecuador at Al Bayt

Stadium. The final will be held at Lusail Stadium on Qatar national day, December 18.

The event will happen in eight different stadiums across the country. The furthest distance between any two stadiums is around 70 kilometres, or 45 miles, meaning that it’s one of the most densely packed tournaments ever. The teams are organised into eight groups for the tournament’s first phase. With four teams in each group (Group A – Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal and Netherlands. Group B – England, Iran, United States and Wales. Group C – Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland. Group D – France, Australia, Denmark and Tunisia. Group E – Spain, Costa Rica, Germany and Japan. Group F – Belgium, Canada, Marocco and Croatia. Group G – Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon. Group H – Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea), the countries will play the other teams in their group once. Winners are awarded three points and losers get no points. At the end of the group stage, the top two teams with the most points in each group qualify for the knock-out rounds.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Fan Festival will be the heart of all activations in the country during the competition and kicks off on November 14 and runs until December 18 at Al Bidda Park. The site can accommodate a capacity of 40,000 fans, and the entrance will be free-ofcharge. It will showcase all 64 matches on mega screens. There’ll also be live music and culinary experiences. The Fan Festival also has three zones: Live, Food and Play.

Hayya Fan Zone is the second main fan zone and will be set up on the Lusail Marina Promenade. It will be open between November 20 and December 18 from 12pm to 12am and will have the capacity for up to 3,500 fans at a time with free entry. You can watch all 64 matches on the big screens. There will also be an ice rink for ice-skating and ballet shows, live DJs, international bands and local acts, and unique food and beverage options. Over on Qetaifan Island North, football fans will be able to watch all the tournament action on the big screens and catch live concerts at the QetaiFan Beach Fest Powered by Unit-Y. Alongside resident artists and shows from international acts, including French Montana, CeeLo Green and Alex Sensation, there will be water activities, retail stores and more than 50 food and beverage outlets. Running from November 19 to December 18, the beachfront festival will also see artists like Ryan Castro, Oxlade and DJ-Twins take centre stage. For tickets and more information, please visit qetaifanbeachfest.com

If you’re looking for a more private fan zone experience, there’s no better place than watching at one of Doha’s best sports bars, Champions, at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel. With more than 47 LED screens, two giant projectors, live commentary, a fantastic selection of food and beverages and exciting vibes, Champions is your spot to cheer for your team. Running daily, during the tournament period, from 12pm to 3am, there is a package starting at QR200 per person, including three selected beverages. If you would like to book a private room, that will be priced at QR5,000, inclusive of food and beverages.

If you love open-air and want to experience a stadium-spirit kind of vibe, Aqua Lounge at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel is the place to go. Look forward to giant screens, jam-packed live entertainment, games and food and beverage specials and more exciting surprises. The offer runs daily from the beginning of the games until the end, from 12pm to 2am and has packages starting from QR200 per person, including three selected beverages.