By Raza Mehdi
Dec 05, 2022
The 2022 FIFA World Cup reflected the elevated zeal and competitiveness of football. For the first time in history, teams from all 7 continents advanced to the round of 16.
A Continental Affair
History was made at the Qatar World Cup as three women referees took charge of the World Cup game between Germany and Costa Rica. Stephanie Frappart led the line-up with Neuza Back and Karen Díaz Medina, marking the first time an all-female referee team was in charge in a men's World Cup game.
First Female Referees at Men's World Cup
Since the inaugural edition in 1930, this has been the most compact FIFA World Cup, with all stadiums within a 55 km radius of central Doha. The packed event also benefits fans, teams and media representatives, who get to attend several matches daily.
Most Compact World Cup
Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo achieved another milestone by becoming the first player to score in five consecutive football World Cups after he netted one in Portugal's opener against Ghana in Qatar.
Ronaldo Made History With His Goal
Many matches have attracted the best audiences of the year in their respective countries. England vs the USA became the most-watched men's football match on US television ever.
Most Watched Football Match in the US
At the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, Saudi Arabia became the first Asian team to score more than one goal against Argentina at the World Cup. The victory of Saudi also ended Argentina's 36 matches unbeaten run across all international competitions.
Unbelievable Saudi Arabia
Croatian Captain Luka Modric became the first and only player in football history to play in the European Championship and FIFA World Cup for three different decades. Modric made his first appearance in 2006 and his second appearance twice in 2014 and 2018. His third-decade appearance came in the 2022 World Cup.
Indispensable Luka Modric
Brazil continued their astonishing record of playing at every World Cup and never failing to make it out of their group. With their 1-0 victory against Switzerland, Brazil set the record for the longest unbeaten run in the group stage with 17.
No World Cup Without Brazil
This is the first World Cup in its current 32-team format in which no one has won all three group matches. There were three teams in 2018, four in 2014, two in 2010, four in 2006, and two in 2002 and 1998.
Unbeatable Opponents
Messi became the oldest player (35 years, 155 days) to score and assist in a World Cup game. He already holds the record for the youngest player (18 years, 357 days) to do the same thing. Astonishing!
Messi's Magic