The 2022 Qatar World Cup is quickly approaching with the tournament set to kick off on November 20.
The last World Cup in 2018 saw a summer of hope for England as the Three Lions nearly brought it home before losing out to Croatia in a dramatic semi-final loss.
But this year the World Cup is set to look very different. For the first time ever the tournament is being held in a country in the Middle East and is being played outside the traditional summer window.
The Qatar World Cup has also already become one of the most controversial World Cup tournaments to date and has been condemned by human rights organisations and high-profile pundits.
As we get closer to the opening ceremony, here’s everything you need to know about the FIFA 2022 World Cup, including the full schedule, why it’s so controversial and whether fans will be able to get a beer.
What are the 2022 World Cup dates?
The first match of the tournament will see hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador in Group A.
England will feature for the first time on day two of the tournament in their Group B match against Iran. Wales’ first game will also take place on November 21 before they play England in a Group B match on November 29.
During the group stage of the tournament, which last for 12 days, four games a day will be played.
The round of 16 will then start on December 3, with winners and runners-up from the group stage going through.
The quarter finals will be played on December 9 and 10 before the semi-finals take place on December 13 and 14.
On December 15 there will also be a third place play off.
The tournament will last for a total of four weeks, with the final taking place at the Lusail Stadium in Doha just a week before Christmas on December 18.
What teams are going to the World Cup 2022?
The England Squad will be heading to the World Cup with 31 other teams ( Image: The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
A total of 32 teams have qualified for the 2022 World Cup, which have been split into eight groups of four.
The teams heading to the Qatar world cup include the following:
Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
Can you drink beer in Qatar?
New regulations have been agreed between FIFA and Qatar World Cup officials ( Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Another concern for football fans attending the World Cup in Qatar is the availability of beer and other alcoholic drinks.
2022 marks the first time that the World Cup is being hosted in a Muslim country in the Middle East and Qatar has strict laws when it comes to the consumption of alcohol.
While alcohol itself is not illegal, drinking it in public is strictly prohibited and booze is only usually available to purchase from licensed hotel bars and restaurants, however the rules have been relaxed for the World Cup.
W88 Australia Customer Service:
- Get AUD 20 Freebet: CLAIM NOW
- Hotline: (+44) 2036085161
- Live Chat 24/7: https://bit.ly/livechat
- Email: [email protected]
WEBSITE & APPs:
- Website: https://www.w88a1.com
- Mobile: https://m.w88a1.com
- App iOS W88: http://bit.ly/iOSW88
- App Android W88: https://bit.ly/anW88LITE