It’s that time of the year! Football fans are gearing up for the much-awaited sport event of the year-FIFA 2022. The FIFA World Cup is set to kick-off on 20th November and will run until 18th December. The opening match will be played between Qatar and Ecuador on 20th November at 7 p.m. Following this, 63 games will be played by the 32 qualifying teams, over 28 days.
Where Will The Matches Take Place?
Matches will be played across eight stadiums near the country’s capital Doha. The venues include:
- Al Bayt Stadium
- Al Janoub Stadium
- Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
- Al Thumama Stadium
- Education City Stadium
- Khalifa International Stadium
- Lusail Stadium
- Stadium 974
The Rules To Know
There are a number of entry regulations in place and it’s best to take note of them before you head down. Firstly, all visitors must have a valid Hayya Card in order to enter the premises.
This is compulsory even if you aren’t planning to attend any of the matches. Those with a valid ticket to the match, can apply online for the card, as well as bring along three people who don’t have tickets. Once you have the card, you can use it for multiple entries during the World Cup and you will be eligible to stay in the country until 23rd January 2023. The Hayya card will also give you free access to public transport (bus, metro, tram) on match days.
Visitors arriving in Qatar on or after 1st November do not have to take a pre-departure PCR test or a rapid antigen test. World Cup visitors won’t need a vaccination certificate and don’t have to pre-register on the government’s Ehteraz health app either. All visitors must book their stay through the tournament’s official booking agency website for hotels, villas, apartments, and fan villages. Besides, those who stay in the country longer than 24 hours must have their accommodation confirmed while applying for the Hayya Card. Those who plan to stay with friends or relatives during the tournament must also update the same on the portal.
Those making day trips to watch the match will need a Qatar-registered vehicle. Entry will not be permitted otherwise. Drivers must pre-register and notify the state prior to bringing their vehicle into the country. They must also book a parking slot via Hayya platform, ahead of arrival. Parking is free for the first 24 hours. A fee of QR1,000 will be applicable from the second day. However, visitors planning a day trip need not make hotel reservations.
Visit https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/match-schedule-en for the complete schedule.