The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the first held in the Middle East, ending with Argentina's third title and a record 172 goals in the 32-team format.
Key Facts
- Host country
- Qatar (first Middle Eastern host)
- Duration
- 20 November – 18 December 2022
- Total goals scored
- 172 goals
- Matches played
- 64 matches
- Participating teams
- 32 teams
- Top scorer
- Kylian Mbappé (8 goals)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Qatar was awarded hosting rights in 2010, making it the first Middle Eastern nation to host the World Cup. Concerns about Qatar's extreme summer heat prompted FIFA to shift the tournament to November–December, breaking from the traditional scheduling of May through July.
The 22nd FIFA World Cup was held in Qatar across eight venues in five cities over 29 days, with 64 matches contested among 32 national teams. Argentina defeated defending champion France 4–2 on penalties after a 3–3 draw in extra time, while Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
Argentina claimed their third World Cup title, their first since 1986, with Lionel Messi winning the Golden Ball and widely regarded as cementing his legacy. The tournament set a goal-scoring record for the 32-team era, and it marked the last edition with 32 teams before expansion to 48 for 2026. Qatar's hosting drew lasting scrutiny over labor rights and human rights conditions.
Result
at Lusail Stadium, Qatar