FIFA President Gianni Infantino Calls 2022 World Cup a Resounding Success
In a press conference held in Doha on 18 December 2022, FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the just‑concluded FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as one of the most successful tournaments in the competition’s history. He highlighted record‑breaking attendance, unprecedented television audiences, and the tournament’s ability to bring together fans from every corner of the globe.
Record Attendance and Stadium Atmosphere
According to FIFA’s official post‑tournament report, the 64 matches attracted a cumulative attendance of 3,404,252 spectators, averaging 96.3 % stadium occupancy across the eight venues[1]. Infantino noted that every match was played to a near‑full house, creating an electric atmosphere that players and fans alike described as unforgettable.
- Lusail Iconic Stadium hosted the final with a crowd of 88,966 – the largest ever for a World Cup final.
- Al Bayt Stadium recorded the highest average attendance per match (≈68,000).
- All venues achieved at least 90 % capacity, a first in World Cup history.
Global Television Reach
The tournament’s broadcast footprint set new benchmarks. FIFA reported a cumulative global television audience of 5 billion viewers, with an average in‑home audience of 262 million per match[2]. Infantino emphasized that these figures demonstrate the event’s power to unite people across cultures, languages, and time zones.
Unity and Cultural Impact
Speaking alongside Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Infantino said:
“The World Cup fulfilled its mission of uniting people from all corners of the world. Fans celebrated together, shared traditions, and left with memories that transcend the sport itself.”
He pointed to initiatives such as the “Football for Schools” program, which reached over 1 million Qatari students, and the extensive fan‑zone activities that showcased Qatari hospitality alongside international cultures.
Looking Ahead
Infantino concluded by outlining FIFA’s commitment to building on Qatar 2022’s legacy:
- Expanding the Club World Cup to a 24‑team format starting in 2025.
- Continuing investments in grassroots football through the FIFA Forward programme.
- Ensuring future tournaments maintain high standards of sustainability, accessibility, and fan experience.
As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the 2026 Men’s World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Infantino’s remarks serve as a reminder of the tournament’s capacity to inspire unity and celebrate the universal love of the game.
Sources:
- FIFA. “Qatar 2022 Post‑Tournament Report.” Accessed September 2025. https://resources.fifa.com/image/upload/qatar-2022-post-tournament-report.pdf
- FIFA. “TV Audience Reaches 5 Billion for Qatar 2022.” Press release, 20 December 2022. https://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/men/worldcup/qatar2022/news/tv-audience-reaches-5-billion
