Teams have started arriving in Doha to compete in the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. With only one week to go to the start of the first-ever World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world, excitement is mounting all across the globe particularly in the host country.
USA became the first team to land in Doha on Thursday night as they prepare to take on England, Wales, and Iran in Group B with their opening match scheduled against Wales on November 21 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
The squad announcements of most of the 32 teams competing in the football showpiece have also generated excitement and joy around the globe with fans backing their teams to achieve glory in Qatar. “Seeing players touchdown in Doha, the coaches announcing their squads, and the players reacting with such natural and unbridled emotions as they discovered that they will have the chance to shine at the greatest show on earth has excited the football world,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Chairman, FIFA World Cup 2022 LLC said Qatar is excited to welcome the first players, coaches and staff in Doha. “We also look forward to welcoming the remaining teams who will be arriving in Qatar in the coming days, as well as their many supporters, for what will be a vibrant celebration of the beautiful game,” he said.
Not just the squads, many fans from different countries have also arrived in Qatar creating an electrifying atmosphere in different parts of the country ahead of the big kick off between Qatar and Ecuador on November 20 at Al Bayt Stadium. Among them is a group of author, teacher, travel agent and content producer from Argentina, who have completed the journey of a lifetime after cycling from South Africa to Qatar.
The quartet was on the road for 177 days, taking in 10,000km and 15 countries between Cape Town and Doha. They were met in the Qatari capital by throngs of Argentina supporters at the Countdown Clock, with the tournament only days away from kicking off. The intensity of excitement will increase as squads and fans will continue to arrive.
In terms of preparations, Qatar is completely ready to host an exceptional tournament, which will go down as the best-ever FIFA showpiece in history. All the arrangements to host an estimated 1.2 million fans are in place. Organisers have ensured enough accommodation for the fans, with security of all being the top priority for Qatar.
