Everything You Need to Know About the World Cup 2022

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The World Cup is always an exciting time. The perfect way to bring nations together for the love of the beautiful game. This year’s tournament is a little unusual as it will be played during a different time of the year, and it’s also the first time that an Arab nation is going to be the host. The development of Qatar’s soccer stadiums is adding to the excitement, especially when paired with the amazing transport links. The best soccer players from around the world will come head to head to see who will reign supreme. Here is everything you need to know if you’re going to be traveling to Qatar for this year’s FIFA World Cup.

Game Days

This year’s World Cup is the first-ever FIFA World Cup to be held in an Arab nation. It runs from Sunday, November 20th, until Sunday, December 18th, which also happens to be Qatar’s National Day. There will be 64 games played over a 28-day period. If you’re making your way to Qatar you might miss your Thanksgiving dinner, but don’t worry, there will be lots of opportunities to try local cuisine that you’ve probably never tasted before.

Watch More than One Game a Day

There are eight iconic venues hosting soccer’s highest honor during the nearly month-long contest. The opening game will be held at the 60,000-seat capacity Al Bayt Stadium, while the Final will take place at the 80,000-seat capacity Lusail Stadium, dubbed “the ultimate football arena.”

Qatar’s state-of-the-art soccer stadiums offer world-class entertainment, including holographic selfies with your favorite players, and food delivered right to your seat. As a tribute to Qatar’s international dialing code and its seafaring trade, Stadium 974 was constructed with 974 shipping containers.

Getting Around

Camels are available, but trains are faster! The FIFA World Cup venues in Qatar are the most accessible in World Cup history. The stadiums are all within 21 miles of central Doha and are connected by a metro system, enabling fans to save on transportation costs.

Where to Stay

If you’re not sure where to stay during your trip to Qatar, don’t worry. The Qatar Accommodation Agency (QAA) has all the answers you need, with a large list of accommodation options, including a range of hotels, cruise ships, villas, and fan villages. The fan villages are located in the heart of the tournament and are perfect for die-hard fans. There are lots of accommodation options in the villages, including large rented homes, luxury tents, and cabin-style units.

The QAA is the main booking platform for fans during the 28-day tournament, offering the most extensive range of places to stay at every available price point. Or if you prefer, you can always book directly through hotel websites rather than via the QAA.

Getting Tickets

A limited number of tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for fans aged 18 and over. The official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 website has details of all prices in its ticketing section.

In Between Games

When not watching football, be sure to take time to explore Doha, a multicultural and futuristic city. There are many fascinating cultural attractions in the city, including the National Museum of Qatar, and Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace. You can also take a stroll along the Doha Corniche, a waterfront promenade with stunning views of Doha’s harbor and architecture. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can also embark on a desert safari, go ATVing, or how about a swift bout of sand-surfing?

Yes, You Can Have a Cocktail

It’s good to know that alcohol is available in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants. The majority of hotels offer a variety of venues for food, drink, and nightlife. There are also a few places you can travel to outside of your hotel, such as Doha’s sky-high watering holes.

Packing List

Doha is the place to get your kicks, if you’re into stylish pants and great kicks, that is. In accordance with their Muslim faith, Qataris wear traditional clothing. Keeping your wardrobe smart and casual (i.e., no shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops) is the way to go, even if there are no dress codes upon arrival. If you want to go swimming or to the beach, don’t be afraid to wear a swimsuit.

Need to Know

Traveling to Qatar does not require a visa. However, during the World Cup, international visitors will need a Hayya Card in order to enter. Basically, it’s an app that lets you move around the country and access various locations.