The 2022 FIFA World Cup

The 2022 FIFA World Cup held from 20 November to 18 December 2022 was the 22nd edition of football’s grandest international tournament. It took place in Qatar, marking the first time the World Cup was hosted in the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula; and, due to the extreme summer heat in that part of the world, it became the first World Cup ever held in November and December rather than in the traditional June–July window.

This tournament will long be remembered for its dramatic final, historic upsets, political narratives, cultural dialogue, and tactical innovations not to mention extraordinary individual performances from legends like Lionel Messi and emerging stars like Kylian Mbappé. But beyond the drama on the pitch, it was a deeply complex event intertwined with controversies, celebration, and the evolving global love of football.

The Host Nation: Qatar

A Compact, Pioneering World Cup

Qatar one of the smallest nations ever to host a World Cup staged all matches within a tight geographic area: just eight stadiums in five cities, with most venues within an hour’s drive of each other.

This compact footprint was a deliberate choice: it allowed fans to attend multiple games in a single day — something almost impossible in previous editions spread across vast host nations.

But the tournament didn’t just adapt to Qatar; Qatar adapted to the tournament:

Massive infrastructure investments — from stadiums to transport, hospitality, and even whole districts — transformed the country in less than a decade.
This World Cup was a chance for the Arab world to demonstrate its hospitality and cultural heritage to a global audience.

This convergence of football, culture, and national transformation made Qatar 2022 feel like more than a sporting event; it was a statement about football’s global reach.

A Tournament of Firsts

Several noteworthy “firsts” defined the character of the 2022 World Cup:

First World Cup in the Arab World

Qatar 2022 was the first World Cup ever held in the Arab world — an enormous milestone, symbolic of football’s geographic expansion and global inclusivity.

First Winter World Cup

The tournament’s timing — late autumn to early winter — was also unprecedented. It disrupted traditional club seasons across Europe, forcing leagues to pause mid-season to accommodate the World Cup.

New Players, New Records

This edition showcased youth and longevity alike:

Gavi of Spain became one of the youngest World Cup goalscorers since Pelé.
Lionel Messi set records for appearances and became the first player to win two Golden Ball awards at World Cups.

Diversity in the Knockouts

For the first time, teams from five different confederations reached the knockout stage — a testament to how football’s power is spreading beyond traditional strongholds.

Road to Qatar: Qualification and Expectations

Before the World Cup even began, drama played out in the qualifiers:

Traditional Powers and Surprises

Many expected teams — like Brazil, Argentina, England, France, and Germany — sailed into the tournament as usual. But others faced significant challenges:

Italy, the reigning European champions, failed to qualify — one of the biggest shocks in World Cup qualifying history.
Canada returned to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1986.
Wales made only its second appearance since 1958.

In other regions, intense battles for qualification — particularly in Asia, Africa, and Oceania — highlighted the growing competitiveness of international football.

Group Stage: Chaos, Heroes, and Football’s Unpredictability

The group stage of Qatar 2022 was unpredictable, thrilling, and often chaotic.

Saudi Arabia Shocks Argentina

One of the earliest and most dramatic results came when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2–1 — one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Even as Argentina went on to win their group overall, this result set the tone for an unpredictable tournament.

Japan’s Stunning Rise

Japan surprised the world by finishing top of a group that included Germany and Spain — two footballing giants. This showed how tactical intelligence and team cohesion can outweigh raw star power.

Morocco’s Tactical Masterclass

Morocco’s disciplined defense and strategic counter-attacks made them the standout team from Africa — a story that would continue into the knockout rounds.

Across the groups, the narrative was clear: no match was a foregone conclusion, and every team had a chance to leave a mark on the global stage.

Knockout Rounds: Rise of the Underdogs

The single-elimination stages were even more dramatic, featuring a mix of drama, heartbreak, and brilliance:

Morocco Makes African History

Morocco became the first African and first Arab nation ever to reach the World Cup semifinals — a monumental achievement celebrated around the world.

Their journey included wins over global powerhouses — including Spain and Portugal — and showcased tactical discipline, defensive strength, and a belief that transcended the sport.

Croatia’s Consistency

Croatia continued its remarkable World Cup consistency, finishing third after defeating Morocco in the third-place playoff. Their achievement from a nation of only around four million people is one of the tournament’s greatest stories.

Brazil’s Early Exit

Brazil — often seen as favorites — was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Croatia on penalties, in a tense match that underscored the drama and unpredictability of knockout football.

The Battle of Lusail: Argentina vs Netherlands

In a quarterfinal dubbed the Battle of Lusail, Argentina and the Netherlands produced a match that football fans will never forget:

The game saw a record-setting 18 yellow cards and a red card — the most cautions ever issued at a World Cup match.
Argentina ultimately advanced on penalties, adding to their narrative of resilience.

The Final: Argentina vs France

A Final for the Ages

The final — held at Lusail Stadium — was one of the most electrifying matches in World Cup history. Argentina faced defending champions France in a game that oscillated wildly in drama, emotion, and narrative power.

Here’s how it unfolded:

Early Control

Argentina took a commanding lead with goals from Messi and Ángel Di María — stunning the French side into an unexpected position of underdog.

Mbappé’s Remarkable Fightback

France’s Kylian Mbappé scored twice in quick succession late in the second half to level the match 2–2 — becoming only the second player in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.

Extra Time Drama

Messi put Argentina ahead once more, only for Mbappé to equalize from the penalty spot — taking the score to 3–3.

Penalties Decide the Champion

The match went to penalties, where Argentina prevailed 4–2, securing their third World Cup title and first since 1986 — a moment celebrated by millions worldwide as a fairy-tale ending for Messi’s storied career.

Tactical Trends and Football Evolution

While individual performances grabbed headlines, the World Cup was also a microcosm of evolving football tactics:

Defensive Organization

Several teams — most notably Morocco and Croatia — built their success on structured, disciplined defensive systems. These systems relied on coordinated pressing, compact shapes, and quick transitions.

Possession Versus Transition

Teams like Spain and Japan balanced possession football with fast counterattacks, while traditionally dominant sides like Brazil struggled to adapt to compact defenses deployed by underdogs.

Adaptability

Perhaps the most valuable tactical asset was adaptability teams that adjusted their approach mid-match often succeeded. Argentina’s ability to switch tempo and exploit counterattacks was critical to their success.