Overview
The 2022 FIFA World Cup was held in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022, making Qatar the first country in the Middle East and the Arab world to host the tournament. It was also the first World Cup held in the northern hemisphere winter, having been moved from its traditional summer slot due to Qatar’s extreme summer temperatures.
Qatar was awarded hosting rights by FIFA in December 2010, a decision that generated significant international attention and debate over the ensuing twelve years.
Infrastructure
Qatar undertook a massive infrastructure programme in preparation for the tournament. Eight stadiums were built or substantially renovated, including the Lusail Iconic Stadium (80,000 capacity, host of the final), Al Bayt Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, Education City Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Stadium 974, and Al Thumama Stadium.
Beyond stadiums, World Cup-related infrastructure encompassed the Doha Metro system, new expressways, expanded airport capacity at Hamad International Airport, hotels and accommodation, and the Lusail light rail transit system. The total investment in tournament-related infrastructure was estimated in excess of USD 200 billion, though this figure encompasses broader national development spending that coincided with, and was accelerated by, the World Cup programme.
Labour and Human Rights
The tournament attracted sustained scrutiny regarding the treatment of migrant workers involved in construction. In response, Qatar implemented significant labour reforms, including the abolition of the kafala sponsorship system, the introduction of a non-discriminatory minimum wage, and enhanced enforcement of worker welfare standards. These reforms, developed in cooperation with the International Labour Organisation, were described as the most comprehensive labour reforms in the Gulf region.
Legacy
Post-tournament legacy planning encompasses the repurposing of stadiums (several were designed for modular downsizing), the continued operation of transport infrastructure, and the use of the tournament’s global visibility to promote Qatar’s tourism, sports, and cultural sectors. The World Cup also served as a demonstration project for Qatar’s organisational capacity and urban development capability.
Significance
The 2022 World Cup was the most consequential event in Qatar’s modern history. It accelerated infrastructure development by a decade, catalysed labour market reform, raised Qatar’s global profile, and provided a deadline-driven impetus for many of the goals embedded in the National Vision 2030.