I arrived in Qatar two days before the opening match, Qatar v Ecuador.
One thing is for sure, Doha certainly looks like it is hosting a World Cup right now - all the branding is in place, and fans have arrived in their thousands - but the atmosphere in the city isn’t quite right.
The Argentinians have arrived from America, alongside the Ecuadoreans and Mexicans. The Moroccans, Tunisians and Saudis are also here, having made a much shorter journey.
Fans congregate at Souq Waqif, the Corniche, and the fan festival, but there's tension in the air.
There’s a real clash of narratives that becomes obvious once you reach Doha.
One is from the region itself, that it is proud to host the tournament in the Middle East for the first time, proud in its clear Arab identity. This is the ‘Arab Woodstock’ after all.
The other is the Western narrative, that criticises the host for the way the tournament’s infrastructure was built over the past few years - the violation of human rights, the rights of minorities, and more.
In fact this tension almost overcame the event itself, but the football has started. So, after the first set of games, here are my picks.
يا هلا فيك يا أكرم، يا هلا فيكم يا أهل قطر 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/5SYdYdcoZE
— Uri Levy (@Levyninho) November 18, 2022
Qatar: the disappointment
During the build up to this World Cup, Qatar we’re emerging as one of the most interesting prospects in world football.
The wait for the opening game to see Felix Sanchez’s work was huge, and so was the disappointment from their display.
The 2-0 loss to Ecuador, with fans leaving the Al Bayt Stadium just 52 minutes in, was bad. And disappointing.
Iran’s national anthem: the moment
It was known, everyone was waiting for it. But when the Iranian players stayed silent during their national anthem, while tens of thousands of Iranian fans booed from the stands, it was a powerful moment.
It was all in recognition of the Mahsa Amini protests in the country, and was one of the strongest and most powerful political moments in World Cup history.
🇮🇷Iran's players protested against their country's rules and didn't sing the national anthem https://t.co/JFP7jwinOB
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) November 21, 2022
Saudi Arabia and Japan: the surprise
Saudi Arabia rocked the world when they beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
They did so with great spirit and ability, and mainly thanks to Herve Renard, Mohammed Al Owais, Ali Al Bulayhi, Salem Al Dawsari and the 50,000 fans who turned Qatar into ‘little Saudi’.
Japan also surprised many as they beat Germany in dramatic fashion, putting on a display themselves.
Salem Al Dawsari: the player
A trademark goal against Argentina in the World Cup. Al Dawsari was everywhere this week. Absolutely amazing.
Great atmosphere at Lusail Stadium
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) November 22, 2022
🇸🇦🆚🇦🇷#FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/z5BT8X3XGd
Hello, World!
Canada. Pure fun and innocence: the game
There is something about a team that returns to the World Cup after so many years, 36 to be precise, but Canada’s return was so much more than just that.
The style, the heart, and the talent, made almost anyone who watched their match fall in love.
After nine years at Liverpool, Salah left for Trabzonspor — the money, the family, and the love of being the underdog all played their part.
Egypt pushed Argentina to the limit in a 3-2 World Cup thriller, but left the pitch furious at the referee and convinced justice was denied.
For the first time since Oct. 7, 2023, Palestinian club football returns this weekend as 226 teams compete across three war-scarred regions.
After nine years at Liverpool, Salah left for Trabzonspor — the money, the family, and the love of being the underdog all played their part.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup Final, ending Lionel Messi's dream World Cup with heartbreak.
Thousands of Argentina fans transformed Times Square before the 2026 World Cup final, all united to thank Lionel Messi.
Spain were ruthless in Dallas as Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo starred, leaving France's Bastille Day to end in deep disappointment for Deschamps.
Norway outplayed England for most of a sweltering Miami classic, but two Bellingham strikes in extra time sent the Three Lions to the semis.
Egypt pushed Argentina to the limit in a 3-2 World Cup thriller, but left the pitch furious at the referee and convinced justice was denied.
Ayoub Bouaddi chose Morocco over France at 18 and lit up a quarter-final about colonial history, dual identity, and what it means to belong.
Merino's late goal gave Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal as Ronaldo left the World Cup stage in tears in what many believe was his final match.
Egypt beat Australia on penalties in Dallas to reach the last 16 for the first time, with Salah's Panenka the highlight of a historic night.
Diop headed Morocco level in the 91st minute and Saibari slotted the winner in the shootout as Morocco reached the World Cup quarter-finals.
Messi and the Jordanian Messi both scored as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in Arlington, with records broken and keffiyehs flying in the stands.
France beat Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia, but the two-hour lightning delay stole the show, making it officially the longest World Cup game ever.
Saibari scored inside two minutes as Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 in Boston, leaving the Scots on the very brink of 2026 World Cup elimination.
Senegal relived their legendary 2002 magic for an hour, but Kylian Mbappe struck twice to sink them and seal France's 3-1 win in New Jersey.
Qatar stole a last-gasp draw from Switzerland and Morocco held Brazil 1-1 — two results that announced Arab football’s full arrival at 2026.
Azteca stadium hosts its third World Cup as Mexico City buzzes with pride, protest, and the deep belief that football has always lived here.
Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig to win the Conference League in the most romantic underdog final in European football history.
Maccabi Tel Aviv edge Hapoel Be'er Sheva 2–1 in a dramatic Israeli Cup Final at Teddy Stadium, denying the champions a historic Double.
With tensions easing, Iran’s 2026 World Cup participation remains uncertain, as FIFA, politics, and regional dynamics collide.
CAF shocks African football by stripping Senegal’s title and awarding Morocco the AFCON crown after a chaotic final decision.
From silent protests to daring escapes, Iran’s women footballers turned a tournament into a global story of courage, politics, and survival.
Iran’s women’s team protested, faced threats, and signaled SOS in Australia—now their fate is uncertain amid calls for asylum.
From geopolitics to spectacle, Trump looms over World Cup 2026—reshaping football, power, and culture in the biggest tournament ever.
FIFA joins Gaza rebuilding plans, restoring stadiums, pitches, and youth programs, supporting football and hope in the Strip.
From Nigeria’s Mavlon academy to Viktoria Plzeň and the Europa League dream: Salim Fago’s journey is just beginning in Europe.
From Benzema’s shock move to Ronaldo’s protest, a chain reaction in Saudi football is shaking the entire project and the global game.
A Hitchcock-style AFCON final in Rabat saw chaos, controversy and brilliance as Senegal stunned Morocco to claim their second African title.
From libraries to stadiums, Morocco lives football. As AFCON 2025 nears its climax, passion, politics, and ambition collide nationwide.
For the first time since Oct. 7, 2023, Palestinian club football returns this weekend as 226 teams compete across three war-scarred regions.