FOOTBALL: Match schedule announcement highlights compact nature of Qatar 2022

July 16, 2020: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ match schedule announcement highlights the host nation’s compact nature and the exciting tournament experience that awaits fans from across the globe in just 28 months’ time.

Qatar will host four matches per day during the group phase of the 22nd World Cup – with matches kicking off at 1 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM and 10 PM local time. The opening game will take place at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium on 21 November 2022, while the final will take place 28 days later on 18 December – on Qatar National Day – at the 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium.

 

Qatar’s compact nature means fans who travel to the tournament will have the chance to attend more than one match per day – a unique opportunity in the modern history of the event. Fans will fly into one airport and have the option to stay in one accommodation for the duration of the tournament. No internal flights will be required – meaning a cheaper experience for fans and a refreshing one for players, who will be able to concentrate on training and recuperation. The compact nature will also reduce the tournament’s carbon footprint and help FIFA and Qatar achieve their vision of delivering the first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup.

Fans will be able to immerse themselves in the action and will never be far from a stadium, FIFA Fan Fest or tourist attraction. It promises to be a major international football tournament like no other.

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Chairman, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said: “Qatar 2022 will be different to other tournaments in many different ways. Once they arrive here, fans can focus on having fun, following their teams and experiencing the Arab and Middle Eastern culture.

“We’ve always said we’re aiming for this tournament to be a bridge between different cultures – and this is an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to experience great football and create lasting bonds and friendships.”

Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said: “Uniquely, this World Cup will have four matches per day. It gives fans the opportunity to attend more than one match per day. That does come with challenges – we need to make sure operationally we plan it right and schedule matches carefully depending on their location. However, there are a lot of benefits – not least for people who aren’t attending the World Cup. They will get to watch the matches at convenient times due to Qatar’s location. About 3.5 billion people will watch the matches at very convenient times.”

Al Khater continued: “The whole team is excited with two years to go. There’s still a lot of work ahead of us – but in terms of infrastructure, including the roads and metro, more than 90% is done. More than 85% of work on the stadiums has also been completed. Now we need to make sure the fan experience plans are in place.” 

Al Thawadi said Qatar 2022 had taken on added significance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Coming out of COVID-19, I believe our tournament will be the first global celebration in a post-pandemic world. I always thought our tournament was significant – but the significance has increased now.”

- qatar2022.qa