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2022 FIFA World Cup

The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the 22nd FIFA World Cup, an international men’s football tournament held in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the 22nd edition of the international men's football tournament, hosted by Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022. It was the first World Cup held in the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, and Argentina won the title after defeating France in the final on penalties.

Host selection and setting

Qatar was awarded hosting rights in 2010, and the tournament took place across eight stadiums in five host cities. It was the first World Cup held in the Middle East and was scheduled in late November and December.

Tournament format

The 2022 edition featured 32 national teams competing in 64 matches, consistent with the 32-team format used from 1998 through 2022. FIFA described it as the most geographically compact World Cup since 1930.

Final and champion

Argentina and France met in the final, which ended 3–3 after extra time. Argentina won 4–2 in the penalty shootout to claim its third World Cup title.

Records and reception

The tournament produced 172 goals, the most in a 32-team World Cup. FIFA also reported record cumulative attendance of more than 3.4 million spectators and around five billion people engaging with event content.

Key facts

  • Qatar hosted the first World Cup in the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula.
  • Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout after a 3–3 draw to win the title.
  • The tournament set a 32-team-era record with 172 goals scored.
  • Canada qualified for the first time since 1986, marking its debut in the modern 32-team era.
  • FIFA reported around five billion people engaged with World Cup content across media platforms.
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Canadian context

Canada qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, returning to the tournament for the first time since 1986. For Canadian readers, the event was also notable for being the first men’s World Cup in which Canada fielded a team in the modern 32-team era.

Frequently asked questions

Who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
Argentina won the tournament, beating France 4–2 on penalties after a 3–3 draw in the final.
Where was the 2022 FIFA World Cup held?
It was held in Qatar, across eight stadiums in five host cities.
When did the 2022 FIFA World Cup take place?
The tournament ran from 20 November to 18 December 2022.
How many teams competed in 2022?
Thirty-two national teams competed.
Why was the 2022 tournament notable?
It was the first World Cup held in the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, and it set a 32-team-era goal-scoring record.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_FIFA_World_Cup
    Supports: Tournament dates, host country, edition number, champion, final result, and goal record.
  2. FIFA Publications — https://publications.fifa.com/en/annual-report-2022/tournaments-and-events/fifa-world-cup-quatar-2022/fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-in-numbers/
    Supports: Attendance, cumulative spectator total, and engagement figures.
  3. FIFA — https://inside.fifa.com/tournament-organisation/world-cup-2022-in-numbers/fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-at-a-glance
    Supports: First World Cup in the Middle East, dates, 32 teams, 64 matches, eight stadiums, and compact hosting footprint.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/sports/2022-FIFA-World-Cup
    Supports: Host country, dates, team count, and Argentina’s victory over France.
  5. Statista — https://www.statista.com/topics/9211/2022-fifa-world-cup/
    Supports: Eight stadiums, opening and final venue details, and background on the Qatar host nation.