KABUL (Pajhwok): The FIFA World Cup 2022 is all poised to kick off in Qatar today (Sunday) with the hosts taking on Ecuador in the opener in Al Khor City.
Divided into eight groups, 32 top teams from around the globe will be seen in action in the mega soccer event, involving 48 group matches.
The top two sides from each group will make it to the last 16. These knockout encounters will begin from December 3, according to the FIFA-released schedule.
A total of 64 matches will be played in this edition of the World Cup, whose final is penciled in for Dec 18.
Qatar is going to make history when they make debut in the World Cup at the $850 million Al Bayt Stadium.
Before emerging as the first Arab nation to host the football World Cup, Qatar spent around $200 billion over a period of more than 12 years.
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