LOWDOWN ON THE WORLD CUP
WHEN DOES IT KICK OFF?
The action starts on Sunday, November 20, with the hosts taking on Ecuador in the opening game at the Al Bayt Stadium.
AND WHEN WILL IT FINISH?
The final will be played on Sunday, December 18 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
KEY OFF-FIELD ISSUES?
The decade leading up to the tournament has chiefly focused on migrant worker and LGBTQ+ rights. Labour advocacy groups have attributed thousands of migrant worker deaths in Qatar to infrastructure projects initiated since the
JUST FOUR DAYS TO GO
World Cup award. The decision to award the finals to a country where same-sex relationships are criminalised has also been criticised, with Kick It Out chief executive Tony Burnett likening it to allowing apartheid-era South Africa to host the tournament.
KEY CONTENDERS?
The usual suspects are all lined up, including holders France, five-time winners Brazil and an Argentina side led by Lionel Messi in what is surely going to be his last World Cup.
England fans’ optimism has faded after a disappointing showing in the Nations League this year, with concerns over the form and fitness of a number of key players.
WORLD CUP FIRSTS?
It is the first finals to be staged in the Middle East, the first to be played in November and December to avoid the searing summer heat of the desert, and the first to feature semiautomated offside technology.
It is also expected to be the first World Cup finals where a female referee takes charge of a match, with Stephanie Frappart among three women on the list of 36
officials for the tournament. WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE FOR FANS?
On the positive side, the compact nature of the tournament means it is possible for fans to attend more than one game in a day.
The sale of alcohol is controlled in Qatar but will be available immediately at match venues and fan zones, as well as within hotels.
ANYTHING ELSE?
This will be the last men’s World Cup to feature 32 teams. The number of finalists increases to 48 for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.