2022 Qatar World Cup Preview

The Men's football World Cup is nearly upon us, but for the first time in its glorious history, it's to be played during the respective European season's winter time. The big leagues have had to put everything on hold so that this competition can take place. The reason for this is because of the heat temperatures in Qatar during the summer, being far too hot for football to be conducted.

The biggest talking point, however, is the country's human rights record. More than 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have died in Qatar since it won the right to host the World Cup 10 years ago. This means an average of 12 migrant workers from these five south Asian nations have died each week since the night in December 2010 when Doha celebrated bringing the world cup to the middle east for the first time.

Another huge debate is that people from the LGBTQ+ community could face legal challenges as Male homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, with a punishment of up to three years in prison and a fine and the possibility of the death penalty. Gerdine Lindhout who is the head of fans’ experience at FIFA, told ITV News, "There is no risk, this is an official FIFA event and we would love to welcome them here. They won’t get into trouble for sharing public displays of affection." As you can imagine though, people are still very hesitant to make the trip.

Qatar is claiming that this will be (and I quote) “the most convenient FIFA World Cup ever”. This is true when it comes to travel in the country, as the two furthest stadiums are only a mere 43 miles away from each other while everywhere is well connected by metro and shuttle buses. But everything else? Not so much.

If you were to fly out the day before England’s first game against Iran and return the day after their final group game against Wales, then direct flights are a hefty £893. This price is expected to rise between now and the tournament start. That of course doesn't take into account the four potential knock-out games, including the final.

The cheapest accommodation comes in at around £80 a night in a two-star new-build. These are container storage units that have been decorated and dropped in the middle of nowhere with another couple thousand. It is located southwest of Al Wakrah city. Some One-bedroom flats are being listed on Airbnb for up to £6,000 per night.

All alcohol has been banned, just two days before the start, with official company partner Budweiser, now tied up in a 60 million pound contract kafuffle. Alcohol sales inside and outside the stadiums are no longer allowed, so supporters will only be able to buy beer in 'fan zones' where pints cost 51.94 Qatari Rial (£12) and are limited to four per person, or in licenced hotels and restaurants.

Qatar has not experienced mass tourism before this year and so it's highly likely that visitors will get into trouble, similar to the cases we have seen in Dubai over the past decade, for what they believe is a normal act in their respective nations.

The final outrage is that Qatar has been accused of paying hundreds of 'fake fans' to sing and support multiple different World Cup teams for videos, shot in the streets of Doha. Videos have shown fans of England, Brazil, Argentina and other nations parading along streets, waving flags and banners. But sceptical users of the platform TikTok, questioned the legitimacy of the fans and some suggested migrant workers had been used as 'paid actors'.

Many companies, brands and people are boycotting this year's event and have every right to do so. But let's finally turn our attention to the on-pitch matters.

Group A:

Host nation Qatar will get the tournament underway in their game against Ecuador on Sunday 20th November at 4pm GMT. Some sources are already saying that Qatar has bribed eight Ecuadorian players $7.4 million to lose the opener 1-0. Five Qatari and Ecuador insiders have confirmed this. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Make of that what you will...

2022 African Cup of Nations winners Senegal, will take on 2010 World Cup runners-up Netherlands in their opening game but will be without main man Sadio Mane due to a knee injury he picked up with club Bayern Munich. Heartbreak for the African side.

Group B:

England will start their campaign against IR Iran. They are likely to start with a back five and with Kyle Walker not available, it is likely that Harry Maguire will start his first game in over a month for club and country. This tournament will be make or break for Gareth Southgate and so every hope will be on The Three Lions at least making it to the last four.

IR Iran went through a coaching change just before the start of the tournament as Dragan Skocic, the man who led them to the finals, will now be replaced by Carlos Queiroz. Coaching change this deep prior to the start of a major competition is never a good thing. It appears that star attacker, Sardar Azmoun, should be fit enough to start this match despite his injury woes this season.

Wales and the United States of America will face each other in their first game, which could be marketed as the most important game of the group. Both sides will be hoping to make it to the knockout stages, so if all is to go to plan, they will be fighting for second spot in the group.

Group C:

Lionel Messi's Argentina is tipped as favourites to win this year's tournament and will face Saudi Arabia in their opener. The Saudis will be backed by thousands of fans as they are aloud to drive through the border into Qatar.

Mexico and Poland are the other two teams in the group and will know that their game against each other could possibly decide the overall outcome.

Group D:

The reigning world champions France, will be hoping that the curse doesn't continue of winners being knocked out, in the next competitions group stage.

Three teams in this group were also in the same group back in 2018's edition with only Tunisia being the difference, instead of Peru.

Group E:

Germany is a real dark horse going into this tournament and they know that their game against Nations League runners-up Spain, could show whether or not they are to be taken seriously during this tournament.

Japan and Costa Rica will know that the knockout stages may be an unreasonable proposition, however, being the underdogs may help them in their case of being this year's World Cup success story.

Group F:

Belgium had been at the top of the FIFA rankings for several years before being overtaken by Brazil recently. They will be keen for their golden generation to finally bring home a trophy and where better to do it, than on the world's stage.

Canada will be making an appearance for the first time since 1986 and be followed with eagle eyes as star payer Alphonso Davies tries to help the country that gave him and his family a home, the chance to dream this year.

2018 runners-up Croatia will be hoping to go one better this year and will feel as though the knockout stages are possible but will not be underprepared in any sense of the word.

Morocco is one of five African nations to take part in the 2022 World Cup and will be fighting to win the best African side, so getting to the knockouts will be their focus if they are to do so.

Group G:

O lindo Brasil (the beautiful Brazil) will be blocking out all the noise surrounding them to win this year's competition and making sure they find their way out of the group stages first. The record-winning side will start their first game against Aleksandar Mitrovic's Serbia.

Switzerland and Cameroon get Group G underway in what could be a fascinating game in the context of the group early on.

Group H:

In the final group, another dark horse in Uruguay will be challenged by the currently controversial Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. He and Messi, will be equaling the record of five World Cups and could potentially meet all the way in the final. A game that would break viewing figures all around the world.

A new-looked Ghana side will also have their opportunity to shine, alongside South Korea who beat Germany in the previous tournament.

There is going to be a lot of noise around this World Cup, for a lot of different reasons this time round but for the players and staff in Qatar, their focus will be on one thing and that is to win the most prestigious prize in modern society. Every young sports athlete's dream is the win their respective sport's highest honour and it doesn't get any bigger than the football World Cup.

May we all be treated to an absolute festival of fun and keep our fingers crossed that off the pitch, promises from officials are kept and so people can feel safe and enjoy the greatest show on earth.

P.S... COME ON ENGLAND!!!