FIFA World Cup – A country with 2.9 million people spent $220 billion for a 29 day event

Nov 21, 2022

By: Sourabh Jain

Credit: Canva

The beginning

After securing the bid for the 2022 World Cup in December 2010, Qatar began construction in November 2015, which lasted for nearly seven years.

Credit: Govt of Qatar

Most expensive world cup ever

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has become the most expensive so far, as the country has reportedly spent over $220 billion on infrastructure, which is more than 15 times what Russia spent for the 2018 cup.

Credit: Govt of Qatar

First World Cup to take place in winter

As temperatures cross 50-degree Celsius during the summer season in Qatar, the FIFA World Cup was pushed to the winter season, a first for the tournament.

Credit: Govt of Qatar

Seven new stadiums

This is the first time that the World Cup is being held in the Middle East and Qatar has built seven new stadiums across five cities at a cost between $8 to $10 billion.

Credit: Govt of Qatar

Highest prize pool

The prize pool for the world cup is $440 million, out of which $42 million will be paid to the winners.

Credit: Unsplash

​Smallest host country ever

Qatar, with a population of 2.9 million and a land area of 11,571 km has become the smallest nation ever to host the FIFA World Cup.

Credit: Govt of Qatar

First host to lose opening game

Qatar, which qualified for the World Cup due to it being the host nation crashed against Ecuador, becoming the first host nation to lose the opening game of the World Cup.

Credit: Govt of Qatar

​Carbon neutral World Cup

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the first-even carbon neutral World Cup as Qatar plans on using awareness, measurement, reduction and offsets to deliver a carbon neutral tournament.

Credit: Govt of Qatar

First World Cup with female referees

The 2022 FIFA World Cup has become the first edition to feature female referees. Out of the 36 referees, 3 are female.

Credit: FIFA

Expected visitors

Over 1.5 million visitors are expected to visit Qatar for the World Cup as it is currently offering visa-free entry for 80 countries.

Credit: Canva

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