FIFA World CUP 2022 and Preview to 2026!
The FIFA World Cup is an international soccer tournament held every four years. It is organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and features teams from countries around the world. The tournament is apparently the biggest event in soccer. In 2022, in the criticised host country Qatar, Argentina won and is the new world champion for the next four years.
The first FIFA World Cup took place in 1930 in Uruguay, and it has since been held every four years (with the exception of 1942 and 1946, due to World War II). The tournament has evolved over the years. The number of teams participating increasing from 13 in the first World Cup to 32 in the most recent tournament. In 2026, there will even be 48 participants.
The World Cup winner is determined through a knockout tournament, with the top teams from each group advancing to the next round until a champion is crowned. The final match usually takes place in a neutral location. One of the greatest moments is the handover of the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
The Champions – old and new
To date, eight countries have won the World Cup: Uruguay, Italy, Brazil, Germany, England, Argentina, Spain, and France. Brazil has won the tournament a record five times, followed by Germany and Italy with four titles each. Argentina have won three times, Uruguay twice. England, Spain, and France have each won once.
The most recent World Cup, held in 2022, was won by Argentina. The team, led by captain Lionel Messi and standout players such as Laurato Martinez and Julián Álvarez, defeated France. France were the previous world champions and failed to defend their title in 2022. It was Argentina´s third World Cup win. Their first coming in 1978 and second in 1986.
The next FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be held in 2026 in Kanada, Mexico and USA. A total of 48 teams will participate in the tournament. Again the winner will be crowned the world champion for the next four years.
The Runners – running stats
The amount of running that football players do during a World Championship tournament can vary greatly. It depends on the player’s position on the field. Of course, personal and team´s style is also decisive. However, it is generally accepted that professional football players run a significant distance during matches. Some players are covering over 10 kilometers and more in a single game.
Who runs most?
For midfielders and forwards, the amount of running they do can be quite high, as they are responsible for both attacking and defending. These players often cover large distances up and down the field. They are making runs to create scoring opportunities and tracking back to help defend against counterattacks. Midfielders, in particular, often cover a lot of ground during a match. They are responsible for linking the defense and attack and for providing support to their teammates.
Who runs less?
Defenders also do a fair amount of running during a match.They need to mark opposing forwards and midfielders and help defend against attacks. However, they typically do not run as much as midfielders and forwards. as their primary focus is on positioning and defending rather than attacking.
Goalkeepers, on the other hand, typically do the least amount of running during a match. Their primary responsibility is to defend the goal. However, they still need to be fit and agile, as they may need to make quick reactions and saves to keep the ball out of the net.
Conclusion to the most fundamental thing for football – RUNNING.
Overall, the amount of running that football players do during a World Championship tournament can be quite substantial, with some players covering over 10 kilometers in a single match. This requires a high level of fitness and endurance. Players need to be able to maintain their energy and concentration for the entire duration of the match. In addition to running, football players also need to have good ball control and passing skills. Not to be underestimated is the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
For the latest running and game results and statistics from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, click here.
Football and politics
Although this major event distances itself most of all from political discussions, or at least tries to, this World Cup was different. In addition to the LGBTQ+ discussions of some national teams, Qatar in particular came under massive criticism as the host.
Qatar as a heavily criticised host
There have been a number of criticisms of the decision to award the FIFA World Cup to Qatar in 2022. Here are some of the main criticisms:
Human rights abuses: widespread allegations of human rights abuses in the construction of infrastructure for the World Cup, including the use of migrant labor. There have also been concerns about the treatment of workers. Here it was mainly about poor living conditions, low pay, and the lack of protections for workers.
- Corruption allegations: allegations of corruption and bribery surround the bidding process. Also problematic were the fears about the influence of Qatar’s wealthy elites on the decision to award the World Cup.
- Climate concerns: Qatar is one of the hottest countries in the world. Temperatures reach over 50 degrees Celsius in the summer months. A corresponding influence on players and fans is natural. Not insignificant is as well the environmental impact of building air-conditioned stadiums and other infrastructure.
- Political tensions: Qatar has been the subject of a diplomatic and economic blockade by several neighboring countries since 2017. This has raised concerns about the feasibility of hosting the World Cup in the country. There have also been concerns about the potential for the World Cup to be used as a platform for political propaganda by the Qatari government.
- Economic costs: The cost of hosting the World Cup in Qatar was several billion dollars. There have been concerns about the economic impact of the event on the country. Criticisms also focused on a more sensible use of resources. In particular, of education and health care.
- Lack of football tradition: Qatar has a relatively small football tradition compared to other countries that have hosted the World Cup. Some have argued that the World Cup should be awarded to countries with a stronger footballing heritage.
Chances and risks of hosting a World Cup
Hosting a World Cup is a major undertaking that involves significant chances and risks. Here are some of the main chances and risks associated with hosting a World Cup:
Chances:
- Economic benefits: Hosting a World Cup can bring significant economic benefits to the host country. The event can generate significant tourism revenue, as fans and media flock to the country to attend the event. In addition, the construction of infrastructure, such as stadiums and hotels, can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
- Increased international exposure: Hosting a World Cup provides the host country with an opportunity to showcase its culture, traditions, and attractions to a global audience. This can help to increase the country’s international profile and boost its reputation as a destination for tourists and investors.
- Improved infrastructure: Hosting a World Cup often requires the construction or upgrading of infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and hotels. This can bring long-term benefits by improving the country’s infrastructure and making it more attractive to tourists and businesses.
Risks:
- Financial costs: Hosting a World Cup is a costly undertaking, and the financial risks can be significant. The costs of building or upgrading infrastructure, such as stadiums and hotels, can be substantial. There is also the risk of cost overruns. In addition, the host country may have to bear the costs of security and other services related to the event.
- Security risks: Hosting a major international event can pose security risks. It can attract large crowds and be a target for terrorism or other forms of violence. The host country may have to invest significant resources in security measures to ensure the safety of players, fans, and other attendees.
- Environmental risks: The construction of infrastructure for a World Cup can have an environmental impact. This includes the potential for deforestation, loss of habitat for wildlife, and pollution. There is also the risk of environmental damage due the use of large amounts of energy and water.
- Political risks: Hosting a World Cup can also involve political risks. The event can be used as a platform for political propaganda or to further political agendas. If there are problems, such as security breaches or mismanagement, it can have a negative impact on the political reputation.
Overall, hosting a World Cup involves both chances and risks. It is important for the host country to carefully consider these before committing to hosting the event. While the event can bring economic and cultural benefits, there are also significant costs and risks. It is important to manage these effectively to ensure a successful outcome.
Facts about the World Cup 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, also known as the United States, Canada, and Mexico World Cup, will be the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup. It is the first time that three countries have collaborated to host the World Cup.
It will feature an expanded field of 48 teams, up from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The expanded field means that more countries will have the opportunity to participate in the World Cup, increasing the level of competition and excitement for fans around the world.
Dates and venues
The tournament will take place from June 13 to July 13, 2026, with the final being held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A total of 80 matches will be played across the three countries, with 60 matches being held in the United States, 10 in Canada, and 10 in Mexico.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico were awarded the rights to host the 2026 World Cup in June 2018, beating out Morocco in a vote by the FIFA Congress. The joint bid received 134 votes, while Morocco received 65 votes. The United States previously hosted the World Cup in 1994, while Mexico has hosted the tournament twice, in 1970 and 1986.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico have a combined total of 23 professional soccer leagues, making them well-equipped to host the tournament. The three countries also have a strong infrastructure in place, with modern stadiums and hotels that can accommodate the thousands of fans and teams expected to attend the tournament.
Use of new goal technology
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to use the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which was introduced at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The VAR system allows for on-field referees to review decisions using video footage, ensuring that critical calls are made accurately and fairly.
The 2026 World Cup will also be the first to use goal-line technology, which was introduced at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Goal-line technology uses sensors to determine whether the ball has fully crossed the goal line, helping referees make accurate calls on whether a goal has been scored.
The event will generate $14 billion and create 40,000 new jobs
The 2026 World Cup is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the host countries. The tournament is expected to generate over $14 billion in revenue and create over 40,000 jobs in the United States alone. It is also expected to have a significant impact on tourism, with millions of fans expected to travel to the host countries to attend the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a historic event, with the expanded field and the first-ever collaboration between three countries to host the tournament. It is sure to be a memorable experience for soccer fans around the world and a showcase of the sport at its highest level.
BeFaster.fit´s position
For us as BeFaster.fit, it is of course very exciting to watch and enjoy the games. But they also motivate us to one day contribute to finding the “next” Messi, Ronaldo and Mbappe as a decentralised talent scout. We are looking forward to 2026!
Congratulations to Argentina and thanks to all the teams for some great football.
