As the historic FIFA World Cup comes closer, excitement is mounting worldwide, with passion reaching the fever pitch in Qatar. With Japan scheduled to be the first team to land in Doha tomorrow, fans are eagerly waiting to welcome their global stars in the host country, which is set to stage the first football showpiece in the Middle East and Arab world; and only the second in Asia.
Only two weeks are left when hosts Qatar will take on Ecuador on November 20 at the 60,000-seater Al Bayt following the opening ceremony, which is expected to be spectacular and a show to remember. However, the celebrations have already begun all around with one can spot the group of fans dancing with the drum beats to support their teams in many landmark points of Qatar.
Qatar 2022 is the first major tournament that fans can enjoy completely after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sports events globally, and the entire world is itching to celebrate every moment of it. “It will be a festival of football and, definitely, a month of celebration. After what we have been through over the past two years, it’s a unique opportunity for fans around the world to come and be united by the greatest show ever,” FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said in a statement recently, adding Qatar will welcome all the fans “with the best hospitality that you can imagine”.
Not just in the host country, excitement is building up in all parts of the world as fans anticipate the top-notch action from 32 strongest teams of the world. The promotional events being organised by Qatar Embassies in different countries are getting an overwhelming response. In Ottawa, the Embassy of the State of Qatar organised a ceremony, which was attended by officials in the Canadian government, the Canadian Parliament representatives, officials of the Canadian sport authorities, civil society and academics along with a host of members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Canada. Such events to promote the World Cup were also held in Athens and Guangzhou.
Meanwhile, the entire Arab world is also excited backing teams of their region including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Morocco, who are also expected to get a huge crowd support during their World Cup matches. As far as the host country’s preparations are concerned, organisers have announced their complete readiness to host an estimated 1.2 million fans in a befitting manner. They are confident of staging a highly successful World Cup by ensuring best experience for fans.
