IN PICS | Preparations in Qatar for FIFA World Cup as final countdown begins

Qatar and FIFA have unveiled La’eeb as the Official Mascot for this year’s FIFA World Cup 2022. La’eeb is an Arabic word meaning super-skilled player. He belongs to a parallel mascot-verse that is indescribable. La’eeb encourages everyone to believe in themselves as ‘Now is All’.

In Qatar, La’eeb will be everywhere – welcoming the world, inspiring young fans and cheering the action during the tournament, which will take place from 20 November to 18 December. 

The FIFA world cup finals in Qatar  will take place at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, December 18. The capacity of Lusail Stadium in Qatar which will host FIFA WC final 2022 is 80,000. Over half the planet's population are expected to tune in to watch this year’s World Cup. 

Official FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock on Doha's corniche, in Qatar. The clock is ticking down on the opening match, almost 12 years since Qatar was awarded hosting rights for football’s showpiece tournament.

Qatar 2022 begins with the hosts' opening game against Ecuador on Sunday 20 November at 17:00 CET (19:00 local time). All 48 group games will be completed by 2 December, with the Round of 16 starting the next day. In this year's event, there are 32 teams competing across eight groups. There have been 20 World Cup tournaments held since the inaugural competition in 1930.

Organisers have estimated more than 1.2 million fans will travel to Qatar. 

Murals of football players, Sadio Mane and Andre Onana in Doha, Qatar ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Locals and foreigners enjoy the murals that has cropped up in Qatar as part of the FIFA world cup preparations. This year, 831 players are living their dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup. For some, this is almost routine; for others it is a whole new experience. 
 

Flags of 32 countries for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Qatar 2022 begins with the hosts' opening game against Ecuador on Sunday 20 November at 17:00 CET (19:00 local time). The group phase will be played from 20 November to 2 December. The knockout phase will run from 3-18 December.

The 64 matches will take place across eight venues: Al Bayt Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Lusail Stadium, Stadium 974, Education City Stadium and Al Janoub Stadium. 
 

People watch airshow at Doha corniche ahead of FIFA World Cup. Only eight countries have ever lifted the trophy. Brazil have won five times, while Germany and Italy have four titles each. Argentina, France and Uruguay have each won the World Cup twice, while England and Spain have each won once.