Infantino Tips Qatar 2022 World Cup To Be The Best Ever

By Max Wise

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described the Russia 2018 World Cup as the best organised ever, but says he is hopeful the 2022 edition in Qatar would surpass it.

Infantino, who was on a visit to the next World Cup hosts to inspect the extent of their preparations, lauded the Western Asian country for the progress made so far.

He was, however, quick to draw inferences to the organisation of the last edition in Russia and the friendly nature of the populace, and urged Qatar to emulate them.

"The stadium is very impressive," he noted when he visited the 40,000-capacity Al Wakrah stadium, which is earmarked to host matches up to the quarterfinals stage.

"When you enter here you can immediately feel how imposing it is, and you can see the progress which is being made here four years before kick-off."

 "There are many lessons we can learn from Russia. The first one is how to welcome so many people. One and half million people headed to Russia to enjoy the World Cup and they were all welcomed in a way that was unexpected to many."

"There were many fears about Russia, but it turned out to be a very safe World Cup, a very welcoming World Cup, in a country that made fans feel good."

"The whole population contributed to that and I’m sure the same will happen here in Qatar. The Russian World Cup has been the best ever, but the World Cup in 2022 in Qatar – I am sure – will be even better."

Infantino reechoed the importance of hosting the World Cup and expressed hope that the Gulf nation would take full advantage of it.

"I think this World Cup is extremely important, not only for Qatar but for the whole region. This World Cup is a unique opportunity – a chance to show the world what this region can offer; for football, but also for anybody in the world to come and visit a beautiful place, learn about a new culture and meet new people.”