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The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has reached the knockout round after some of the most highly competitive and exciting clashes witnessed in the group stage. The ongoing edition of the tournament has well and truly lived up to its reputation as it produced some mouth-watering ends, heart-wrenching upsets, record-shattering performances and even a controversy playing a part in adding to the drama.
Meanwhile, a report published by FIFA on its Qatar 2022 portal has listed out a few noteworthy and remarkable figures which have already etched the current edition, in the history books. According to FIFA, the global football tournament has recorded cumulative stadium attendance of 2.45 million spectators.
The astonishing figures were registered after 13 days and 48 matches in the first of its edition in the Middle Eastern region. The report further claimed that the event has witnessed massive turnout at stadiums, with 96 per cent occupancy, higher than the corresponding 2.17 million figures recorded during its 2018 edition in Russia.
Notably, highest ever attendance in the history of the World Cup since 1994 final was witnessed at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, when 88,966 fans watched Argentina vs Mexico match on November 26. In yet another milestone, FIFA World Cup 2022 has seen teams from all continents advance to the Round of 16, in another first for the marquee tournament.
Three teams from the Asia Pacific region – Australia, Japan and South Korea – qualified in the knockout stage of the competition. Two African teams – Senegal and Morocco - reached the Round of 16.
“The outcomes of the group stage showed the extent to which more countries have acquired the tools to compete at the highest level,” FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, was quoted in a statement released by FIFA on Sunday. He further credited ‘better preparation’ and ‘analysis of the opponents’ stating it as a reflection of a more equal access to technology.
“It is a very much in line with FIFA’s efforts to increase football’s competitiveness on a global scale,” added Mr. Wenger. FIFA also acknowledged Portugal’s skipper Cristiano Ronaldo for setting up a remarkable record of scoring in five editions of the World Cup.
It also lauded Stephanie Frappart, who became the first woman to officiate a FIFA World Cup match, and formed the first all-female trio, alongside Neuza Back and Karen Díaz Medina.