While although international travel is not on the agenda in this current climate, one would hope that the world will return to a sense of routine by 2022, and if it does, it means football’s biggest party will be sending out its invites.
A party that will be hosted in the Middle Eastern nation of Qatar, and although FIFA’s decision may have initially raised some eyebrows, there’s no doubt that plans for such large festivities are being anticipated all over the globe.
It is the first time that the crown jewel of world football has been staged in the Middle East, and although that adds an element of pressure to the Qatari organizers, they are ready to put on one massive show.
Of course, the show needs its headline names, and with 32 teams earning qualification for the tournament over the next couple of years, the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Lionel Messi will be ready to display their talents on the biggest stage of all.
Even though we are still two years removed from the tournament’s first game, the bookmakers are still taking bets on the eventual winner, and at present, France and Brazil are topping the odds to get another cup at Qatar 2022.
France will undoubtedly be considered a favorite. After success in Russia back in 2018, Paris Saint-Germain’s Mbappe will be ready to lead his side to back-to-back trophies and a third overall title for the country after the previous jubilation in 1998.
With that said, a lot can change between now and November 2022, as form and fitness will dictate who will be able to mount a serious challenge and who will end up being left behind as nothing more than an also-ran.
When it comes to who wins the competition, that is not something we will know for quite a while, and although the start of proceedings seems still a long way away, that should not stop you from making your travel plans.
Even though Qatar has a relatively small landmass when compared to previous host nations, it is still ready to open its arms to football fans in all corners of planet Earth, and with 80 countries enjoying the ability to travel visa-free, that will be one less headache for you to worry about.
When it comes to headaches, alcohol is still a sensitive issue within Qatar, and although it is forbidden mainly in day-to-day life, there will be the usual fan parks in place for you to enjoy a beer or two.
In addition to that, and if you are not in the vicinity of a fan park, you will be able to celebrate or commiserate with a beer in any licensed hotels or restaurants but do check if such venues have the necessary license before booking.
Much has been made of the weather. With that in mind, you may want to swap the alcohol for water and keep the hydration levels at their maximum, especially when you consider the expected temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius.
The weather may be conducive to wearing fewer clothes than back home, but if making the trip to Qatar, do please consider the local customs when it comes to clothing, and for men, a pair of knee length shorts should be sufficient to keep the heat at bay and keep you comfortable.
By comparison and for the female of the species, a little more caution may be required, and therefore the advice is to dress modestly in public – a remit which advices against showing your shoulders or wearing a short skirt.
Before the tournament begins, nine stadiums will be newly created, and three will be renovated, which means the seven host cities of Al-Daayen, Al-Khor, Al-Rayyan, Al-Shamal, Al-Wakrah, Doha, and Umm Seal will be ready to host the 64 scheduled fixtures.
With this advice, all you need to do is book your flights, and with the likes of British Airways, Qatar Airways, Iberia, Sri Lankan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Japan Airlines, Air India, Jet Airways operating in the area, there is nothing from stopping you joining the party in 2022.