A Comprehensive Chronicle of History, Drama, and Legacy
Nov 20 - Dec 18, 2022
Tournament Dates
Qatar
First Middle East Host
32 Teams
National Squads
Argentina
Champions
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was a groundbreaking tournament that transcended football, blending sport, culture, and innovation. As the first World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world, Qatar defied skepticism to deliver a tournament packed with historic moments, controversies, and unforgettable stories.
Qatar invested over $220 billion in infrastructure, building 8 state-of-the-art stadiums, a metro system, roads, hotels, and airports.
First winter World Cup in the northern hemisphere, with revolutionary cooling technology maintaining comfortable temperatures in stadiums.
The tournament showcased Arab culture to the world and united the region, with Morocco's historic semifinal run capturing hearts globally.
On December 18, 2022, Lionel Messi finally achieved his ultimate dream, leading Argentina to World Cup glory in one of the most dramatic finals in football history. After a career defined by club success but international heartbreak, the 35-year-old cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Golden Ball
Best Player
7 Goals
Tournament Total
"I dreamed it so many times, I wanted it so much that I still haven't fallen to the ground. I can't believe it." — Lionel Messi after winning the World Cup
Relive the drama and excitement of the epic showdown between Argentina and France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final. Witness Messi's brilliance, Mbappé's hat-trick, and the penalty shootout that crowned Argentina as world champions.
7
Goals Scored
120+
Minutes of Drama
4-2
Penalty Shootout
"This final was the perfect conclusion to the best World Cup in history. It had everything: goals, drama, comebacks, and the perfect ending with Messi finally lifting the trophy."— FIFA President Gianni Infantino
Qatar built 8 stunning stadiums within a 55km radius of Doha, each with unique designs inspired by Arab culture and equipped with revolutionary cooling technology.
The crown jewel of Qatar 2022, Lusail Stadium hosted the epic final between Argentina and France. Its design was inspired by the interplay of light and shadow from traditional fanar lanterns. Post-tournament, it will be transformed into a community hub with schools, shops, and health facilities.
The 2022 World Cup delivered some of the most shocking upsets and dramatic moments in tournament history, redefining expectations and creating new football legends.
Saudi Arabia shocked the world with a 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina in the group stage, with Salem Al-Dawsari scoring a spectacular winner.
Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, defeating Spain and Portugal before falling to France.
Japan stunned both Germany and Spain to top Group E, showcasing tactical brilliance and fighting spirit against football giants.
Kylian Mbappé became only the second player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, almost single-handedly keeping France in the match.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dream ended in tears as Portugal lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals, likely his last World Cup appearance.
Croatia knocked out tournament favorites Brazil on penalties in the quarterfinals, with goalkeeper Dominik Livaković making crucial saves.
Qatar welcomed 1.4 million visitors with an unprecedented blend of traditional hospitality and modern amenities. The Doha Corniche became the heart of celebrations, hosting fans from all 32 participating nations.
The 2022 World Cup set new records and delivered impressive numbers across all aspects of the tournament.
Of Football
Visitors
World Class Venues
Tournament Total
Total Attendance
Prize Money
Global Viewers
In 29 Days
The tournament saw an average of 2.69 goals per match, with stadiums filled to 96% capacity on average. The final between Argentina and France was watched by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.
View Complete StatisticsThe 2022 World Cup redefined what a global sporting event could achieve, leaving an indelible mark on football history and Qatar's future.
Transforming Qatar
Human Development
Diplomatic Relations
Argentina 🇦🇷
Champions
France 🇫🇷
Runners-up
Croatia 🇭🇷
Third Place
Morocco 🇲🇦
Fourth Place
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar wasn't just a football tournament—it was a cultural milestone, a technological showcase, and a reminder that sport can unite and divide in equal measure. As the dust settles, Qatar's legacy remains a mix of pride, progress, and unanswered questions—a mirror to the complexities of modern sport.
BEST WORLD CUP IN HISTORY
With its dramatic matches, historic upsets, and Messi's fairy-tale ending, many consider Qatar 2022 to be the greatest World Cup ever staged.