The host nation - Qatar
Qatar is a peninsula in the Persian Gulf with a population of approximately 2.6 million. Eight stadiums hosted the tournament's World Cup matches, mostly located towards the eastern coast of the 11.6 thousand square kilometer (or 4.5 thousand square mile) large peninsula. Six stadiums had a capacity of roughly 40 thousand spectators, with the Al Bayt Stadium hosting the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador on November 20. The Lusail Stadium, also known as the Lusail Iconic Stadium, hosted the tournament's final.After Qatar won the bid for the rights to host the World Cup 2022 back in December 2010, accusations were made of corruption, bribery, and cheating by the Qatar bid committee to obtain these rights. An internal investigation by FIFA was launched, but in its final report, it was concluded that there was no wrongdoing by Qatar. The country subsequently faced intense criticism due to its treatment of migrant workers in the construction of the stadiums ahead of the tournament.