The biggest event of the year is taking place in Qatar, and you don’t want to miss out on the football fever. From accommodation and flights to tickets and stadiums, here’s everything you need to know about the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
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The event kicks off with the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador on the 20th of November 2022, with the final taking place on the 18th of December 2022 This exciting and much-awaited event will see 32 nations go against each other to be crowned the best in the world.
Which nations have qualified?
It has been a long road to get to this point, especially due to the pandemic. The following 32 nations have qualified for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and will play against each other in these groups:
Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
Group F: Belgium, Ghana, Morocco, Croatia
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Canada, Uruguay, South Korea
Where will the matches be played?
There will be a total of 64 matches during the tournament. They will take place at eight state-of-the-art stadiums. Al Bayt Stadium, situated 35km north of central Doha (the capital of Qatar), will host the opening match. The final match will take place at Lusail Stadium, 20km north of central Doha.
The remainder of the matches will take place at the following stadiums:
- Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, 20km west of central Doha
- Al Janoub Stadium, 22km east of central Doha
- Al Thumama Stadium, 12km south of central Doha
- Education City Stadium, 13km north-west of central Doha
- Khalifa International Stadium, 5km west of central Doha
- Stadium 974 in Ras Bu Abboud, 10km east of central Doha
To find out more about the match fixtures, click here.
Where can I get tickets?
If you haven’t already booked your tickets, the online Last-Minute Sales Phase runs until 18 December 2022. To purchase your tickets, simply visit: https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tickets
What accommodation is available?
Football fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in and around Doha. From apartments, villas and luxury hotels to cruise ship hotels, fan villages and holiday homes, there is something for everyone and every budget. To book your stay at some of these unique places, visit https://www.qatar2022.qa/book/en/.
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What flight options are there?
Qatar’s national airline, Qatar Airways, connects over 160 destinations worldwide to Doha. There are, however, many other airlines that fly into Qatar from across the world. Simply book your flights online, visit your nearest travel agent or, to make your life easier, you can purchase a travel package. Visit https://www.qatarairways.com/app/fifa2022/en to get your flights, accommodation and match tickets, all in one.
What is a Hayya card?
The Hayya card is an entry permit into the State of Qatar which allows you to access stadiums and match day travel. Regardless of where you are staying, every football fan visiting for the World Cup MUST secure a Hayya card. Secure yours here.
Are there any Covid-19 travel restrictions or regulations?
The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar has stated that the red list and quarantine rules for arrivals have been dropped. No travellers will need to quarantine, at home or in a hotel, with the exception of those who test positive for Covid-19. Citizens and residents will be expected to take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival in Qatar, at a Primary Health Care Corporation health centre or a Ministry of Public Health approved private medical centre.
Anyone with a match ticket must be fully vaccinated to be allowed into the stadium. Non-GCC nationals or residents will also be required to register on Ehteraz at least three days before arrival. Uploading of your vaccine certificate or certificate of recovery is optional.
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What’s the best way to get around?
Although it is recommended that football fans use public transport, there is the option to park and ride. So, if you’re looking for a little more flexibility so that you can explore more of Qatar, you can also rent a car in Qatar. United Car Rentals has a wide range of young and well-managed vehicles from brands such as Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Honda, Hyundai, Chevrolet, and MG to choose from.
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