When does the Qatar 2022 World Cup start and where is the final?

After over a decade of controversy since it was awarded the tournament, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is just a few months away from beginning.

The World Cup in Qatar will be the first in Asia since 2002

The tournament will be the first to be held in the Arab world and only the second to take place in Asia, after Japan and South Korea joint-hosted the event in 2002. This edition will be the last to feature just 32 teams, with the tournament being expanded from 2026 inwards in order to feature 48 nations.

Reigning champions France will be among the favourites, though no team has successfully defended the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, alongside fellow European sides England, Spain, and Belgium. Brazil and Argentina will also likely feature in the knockout stages, while Senegal could represent Africa’s biggest hopes of winning for the first time.

Ticket sales are now underway for the tournament, and everything you need to know is below.

When is the World Cup in Qatar?

Because of excessive summer temperatures in the Gulf state, the Qatar World Cup will be the first to be staged in winter rather than summer.

The first match of the tournament is set to take place on 21 November, and the final is scheduled for 18 December. Host nation Qatar will play in the opening fixture.

Which countries will play in Qatar?

At the time of writing, 29 of the 32 teams which will compete in Qatar are confirmed. Play-offs will decide the final three places, and Scotland and Wales both still have a chance of securing a spot.

The following countries have all qualified for Qatar:

1. Qatar

2. Brazil

3. Argentina

4. Ecuador

5. Uruguay

6. France

7. Germany

8. Netherlands

9. England

10. Portugal

11. Denmark

12. Serbia

13. Switzerland

14. Poland

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