FIFA Soccer World Cup 2022 played as it is known in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December and was highly contested.

The World Cup starts with the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador. Then blows to the WC final on December 18.

NRK and TV 2 will broadcast the match on TV in Norway. You can also get everything from WC on radio channels NRC Sports.

Sunday December 18th

16.00 : WC final – NRK1

How is WC played?

The tournament has 32 teams divided into eight groups with four teams in each group. All teams play three games, one game against each team, and the top two in each group advance to the round of 16.

Qatar will play the opening match at Al Bayt Stadium (60,000 seats) on Sunday 20 November, while the World Cup final will be played on Sunday 18 December, a week before Christmas Eve, at the Lusail Stadium (80,000 seats).

Here are the eight groups:

Group A: Qatar, Netherlands, Senegal, Ecuador

Group B: England, USA, Iran, Wales

Group C: Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia

Group D: France, Denmark, Tunisia, Australia

Group E: Spain, Germany, Japan, Costa Rica

Group F: Belgium, Croatia, Morocco, Canada

Group G: Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, Cameroon

Group H: Portugal, Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana

Arena:

It was planned from the start that WC would be distributed across 12 stadiums, however this was reduced to eight in 2014.

WC will now be played in the following arenas:

Doha:

Al Thumama Stadium (40,000 seats).

Education City Stadium (45,350 seats)

Khalifa International Stadium (40,000 seats)

Stadium 974 (40,000 seats)

Al Khor:

Al Bayt Stadium (60,000 seats)

Al Rayyan:

Al Rayyan Stadium (44,740 seats)

Al Wakrah:

Al Janoub Stadium (40,000 seats)

Lusail:

Lusail Stadium (80,000 seats) – arena for the final

Traveling to Qatar?

Getting to WC country is relatively easy, and there are several direct routes from Oslo Airport.

Norwegian citizens must have an ordinary passport with a minimum validity of six months when entering Qatar. There is no need to apply for a visa in advance, and entry stamps are issued free of charge at passport control, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed out that entry regulations can be changed at short notice, and it is the individual’s responsibility to have valid documents and know the regulations that apply.

Here you will find all the time updated travel information about Qatar from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Is it safe there?

Opinions are divided about it. Qatar is a conservative Sunni Muslim country, where, among other things, homosexuality is prohibited. But organizers have demonstrated multiple times that everyone is welcome in the country as long as you respect there culture and traditions.

NRK has contacted FIFA about the safety of visitors who have a homosexual orientation.

– FIFA is confident that everyone traveling to the World Cup in Qatar will be able to enjoy the tournament in a safe and friendly environment. FIFA is taking active action together with the Qatari authorities and relevant actors, including supporters’ groups, to ensure an especially welcoming environment for LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) supporters and guests visiting the tournament, FIFA wrote in a statement to NRK.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned two other dangers during the visit to Qatar: Terrorism and traffic. All countries in the region are considered potential terror targets for Islamic extremists, and high speed and reckless driving will lead to a high incidence of traffic accidents, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is also not recommended to appear drunk in public places, as the chances of being arrested increase.

Why Winter WC?

The reason the World Cup is played in winter is the temperature in Qatar. In June and July, when the World Cup is usually played, thermometers can show temperatures of up to 50 degrees. November and December are more likely, so the temperature in Qatar is usually between 18 and 26 degrees.