In a recent BBC Sport survey, the Qatar 2022 World Cup has been voted the best World Cup of this century, with 78% of the votes. The tournament, which took place in November and December of 2022, received a higher rating than any other World Cup in the past century, including the 2002 World Cup in Japan/South Korea, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

This historic event, which was the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East, was marked by memorable performances from teams like Morocco and Japan. It also featured groundbreaking inclusion initiatives, such as a record number of female referees and assistant referees and a diversity programme aimed at increasing representation of different cultures within the sport.

Despite the BBC’s decision to boycott the opening ceremony of the Qatar World Cup due to concerns about human rights in the country, the tournament ultimately delivered a memorable legacy. FIFA President Gianni Infantino even called it the best World Cup ever, due to its diversity and inclusion. In the end, the Qatar 2022 World Cup was a landmark event that made history in multiple ways and left a lasting impact on the world of football.

In addition to being voted the best World Cup of this century, the Qatar 2022 tournament was also the first to be held in the Muslim world. This marked a significant moment in the history of football, as it expanded the global reach of the sport and brought it to a new audience.

The Qatar World Cup also made history with its groundbreaking inclusion initiatives. For the first time, the tournament featured a record number of female referees and assistant referees, as well as a diversity programme that aimed to increase representation of different cultures within the sport.

Furthermore, the Qatar World Cup was the first to be held in November and December, rather than the traditional June and July, in order to avoid the extreme heat of the Middle Eastern summer. This decision required a significant overhaul of the international football calendar and demonstrated the adaptability and innovation of the sport. Overall, the Qatar 2022 World Cup was a landmark event that made history in multiple ways, from its location and inclusion efforts to its timing and global impact.