Qatar Has Spent Well Over $200 Billion On A Flawed World Cup

Desperate to reassure, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said this would be the best World Cup ever. Given the negative press troubling the governing body and host Qatar, this emphatic but ultimately hollow statement was hardly a shock comeback.

Qatar has reportedly invested approximately $220 billion, debatably much more, to stage this mega-event. It’s a record that soars above the sums spent on previous editions that now appear ridiculously cheap.

With virtually unbounded financial backing comes high expectations, and the show has provided some exceptional moments. But there are some things money can’t buy.

Not ideal for supporters

Some fans will have spent hundreds of dollars traveling over land and sea to reach this little corner of the Earth, converted into an international soccer hub for a month. They will have departed with much more in return for places to stay and live matches.

Yet, their experience has not always lived up to expectations. Those unable to shell out on comfortable accommodation have settled for basic and pricey fan villages—mimicking rows of shipping containers—closer to the desert. It makes for an experience, but it’s not a winner for everyone.

Nearer the action, issues with FIFA’s ticketing application—launched just a month before the event—have left some match-goers temporarily stuck outside stadiums after kickoff. While a functioning digital system is more streamlined and can help fend off fake passes, it’s more prone to technical faults. Such logistical hiccups are difficult to understand given the time Qatar and FIFA have had to ensure no problems.

Arenas have sometimes been far off capacity anyway. In what should be FIFA’s flagship competition, this is cause for frustration. It could be down to many dodging the trip to Qatar due to negative press around the hosts, plus the costs involved. As for the feeling during some matches, FIFA’s last-minute alcohol ban at games may have also dampened some people’s spirits.

One plus, however, is the large contingent of followers traveling from more local and less decorated World Cup nations—such as Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Tunisia, whose performances have given them something to enjoy. And filling in for the lesser-represented participants are soccer-loving locals, with many getting behind some of the favorites.

Few memorable moments

Flashes of drama and quality have breathed occasional life into the spectacle, namely Morocco upstaging Belgium and Saudi Arabia’s comeback win against Argentina. Japan’s surprising victory against Germany added even more intrigue before the Asian side took an unforeseen step back by losing to struggling Costa Rica. Iran’s late goals against Wales were also something to behold.

Yet these bright sparks have been peppered by a handful of uninspiring goalless contests. Compared to the previous competition in Russia—where there was only one—that’s a backward step, and there are still plenty of fixtures to come.

Considering the widespread well-wishes hosts tend to receive, it’s similarly lamentable that Qatar’s players became the first to exit the tournament. In truth, the fanfare behind the nation seemed to die out feebly inside impressive stadiums costing considerable money and labor to construct—a result that doesn’t sit right. After all the buildup and pressure, there is a sense that Qatar’s squad was overwhelmed. Now it hopes its guests can deliver the goods it couldn’t.

Some positives

One plus, you can argue, is having the event in a small country. Midway through a competitive season, most players will want to base themselves in one place and avoid plane travel. In this case, getting around is more straightforward for everyone involved, including the broadcasters projecting the show across the globe.

And despite not delivering on everything, this tournament remains unpredictable. Don’t be shocked to see at least one or two high-profile teams exit earlier than expected. Strange scorelines and leggy squads mean this could, if nothing else, be the World Cup of surprises.