Doha (HRNW) The FIFA World Cup 2022 is finally here, with hosts Qatar set to face Ecuador in the opener today (Sunday), at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
As many as 32 teams, an expected visitors’ count of 1.2 million, eight stadiums where the maximum distance between two venues is 55km holding 64 games in 29 days–instead of the usual 32 over five weekends–make this a never-before kind of World Cup.
It will end on December 18, less than a month later, with the final set.
The defending champions, France, are favourites to win their group and cruise into the knockout stage, while the tournament favourites, Brazil, have a very easy path through the group stage.