The Qatari government has spent at least $220 billion on infrastructure projects, from new rapid transit systems and luxury accommodations to revamped highways and airports. For the million-plus visitors traveling to the Arabian Gulf to attend the tournament-and the projected 5 billion viewers tuning in from home-the monthlong competition promises to be quite the spectacle.įirst, there are the sights. The 2022 World Cup is finally here-a dozen years removed from a snowy December afternoon in Zurich when FIFA executives named Qatar host of football’s most watched and celebrated tournament. It’s betting that your love of the “beautiful game” will make you more fond of this tiny Gulf state, too. Never mind the abusive labor practices and human rights violations. The government has spent billions preparing to host the 2022 World Cup.
How Qatar Became a World Leader in Sportswashing
