FIFA World Cup's economic impact will extend beyond Qatar

GCC states look to take advantage of "fresh opportunities" and Qatar hopes the World Cup will boost its "soft power and add political influence."
An aerial view of Al Thumama stadium at sunset on June 22, 2022, in Doha, Qatar.
An aerial view of Al Thumama stadium at sunset on June 22, 2022, in Doha, Qatar. Al Thumama stadium is a host venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 starting in November. - Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
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Sabena Siddiqui
@sabena_siddiqi

This November, Qatar will become the first Arab state to host the prestigious FIFA World Cup. Having a population of less than 3 million, it is the smallest host country to ever organize the event. Being a popular sport in the Middle East, soccer unites the region culturally and socially. 

Even though Doha has hosted other sports events like the IAAF World Athletics Championships, the Asian Football Confederation Cup and the World Men’s Handball Championship, and will be holding the Asian Games in 2030, the FIFA World Cup is the largest high-profile event to take place in the state of Qatar. 

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