The Qatar 2022 World Cup will take place in just over ten months, and starting today tickets are now available to the general public.
Depending on the match and the category of the seat, prices range from around $600 and upwards of $1,600. For spectators with disabilities, discounted tickets will be available. Soccer fans will have the option of purchasing package deals to follow their favorite team throughout the tournament, in addition to buying multiple tickets for different games at the same stadium.
Qatari residents are granted a deeply discounted fare, with prices starting at just $11 for the exclusive Category 4 seating, in a bid to fill stadiums throughout the tournament.
In a statement, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said: “This is a FIFA World Cup for Qatar, the region and the world, and the products launched today reflect FIFA’s goal of bringing the beautiful game to as many fans globally as possible.”
The organization said that visitors must follow all travel advice from the local Qatari authorities; given the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest protocols and safety measures will be communicated ahead of the tournament’s start.
Though die-hard football fans will travel to the ends of the earth, no matter where the World Cup takes place, Qatar has received criticism over human rights issues – particularly related to migrant workers and anti-homosexuality legislation.
A report published in 2021 by Amnesty International found that Qatari authorities failed to investigate the death of thousands of migrant workers, despite evidence of unsafe labor conditions. Several national teams have staged protests in the qualifying rounds of the tournament in a bid to draw attention to the concerns.
How to Get Tickets to the Qatar 2022 World Cup
The first sales period kicks off today, January 19, 2022 at 1pm local time (Doha) and concludes on February 8, 2022 at 1pm local time (Doha). Fans will be able to submit applications for tickets; at this time it doesn’t matter when the applications during this first phase. All tickets will be allocated following the close of the application period.
In cases where the number of applications exceeds the quantity of tickets available, they will be allocated through a random selection draw process. All successful, partially successful and unsuccessful applicants will be duly notified of the outcome of their applications by Tuesday, March 8, along with the steps to follow and the deadline by which to pay for allocated tickets.
Payment through Visa cards is the exclusive method accepted for residents of Qatar, while Visa payment cards and other accepted payment cards are accepted for international fans.
Travel Information for World Cup 2022 in Qatar
Unlike previous World Cup tournaments, little travel will be required once fans arrive in Qatar. Eight stadiums within a 30-mile radius of Doha that will host the matches have recently been built.
However, while spectators won’t have to do much traveling to enjoy the matches, hotel availability promises to be tight. Local organizers have reserved most of the hotels in Qatar, so current availability is rather low.
Rooms in hotels, apartments, and cruise liners will be made available via a website later in the year. It’s expected that around 90,000 rooms will be made available to the public; 40,000 will be set aside for teams, officials, sponsors, and media.
Tournament organizers expect over 1.2 million visitors to come to Qatar for the event. The group stage features 32 teams with games across 12 days when Qatar anticipates 559,000 flying in, with a peak of 276,000 ticket holders around November 27 and 28 requiring an estimated 128,000 rooms, according to details provided last month to the AP.
A Hay’ya Card is needed to enter the State of Qatar, to access stadiums (along with a match ticket), and to enjoy free match day travel, alongside other benefits.
Search for flights to Qatar or more specifically, Doha. Qatar Airways, a FIFA sponsor, is already selling packages including flights, hotels and tickets.
