Five days to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the country is buzzing. From the Hamad International and Doha International Airports to Doha Ports, Corniche, Lusail and other places around Qatar, fans, football lovers – locals, residents and visiting fans are enraptured in the World Cup spirit.
Also, as several teams arrived in the country, fans were present to welcome them at the airport and their bases. Boisterous fans received Senegal players and management to their base at the Duhail Handball Sports Hall.
Meanwhile, several nationalities residing in Qatar walked hand in hand, donning Qatar team jerseys as the flags of nations qualified for the World Cup fluttered along the road, making it a festive atmosphere at Lusail Boulevard. Qatar arrived in Doha yesterday after spending months in Europe preparing for the tournament.
The fans, irrespective of age, were seen having a great time with songs and drums. Adding to the energetic atmosphere were a bunch of enthusiastic young skaters showcasing their skills as people played horns while shouting their support for the Al Annabi, who will play their first-ever World Cup match against Ecuador on November 20.
The Boulevard became a melting pot for the fans, mirroring the cosmopolitan nature of Doha. The pleasant weather was an added advantage as scores of fans moved under the canopy of team flags.
South Korea also arrived yesterday, with many fans welcoming the Asian giants as they touched down to make their 11th FIFA World Cup appearance. The Taegeuk Warriors, who are staying at Le Meridien City Centre.
Tunisia – one of the four Arab teams taking part in the first-ever World Cup in the region – received a rousing welcome as a considerable number of fans gathered to greet their national side on their way to the Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach from the airport.
For Qatar, hosting the tournament is a historic achievement being the first in the Middle East and the Arab world. Qatar had promised it would deliver the best tournament in history, and all signs point towards that as fans arrive in the country from all over the world.
Around 1.2 million people are expected in Qatar for the tournament. With flags and World Cup decorations adorning streets and buildings, as well as planned fan festivals from Al Bidda Park to Lusail, Al Maha Island etc., the World Cup is definitely in Qatar.
