With just a blink of an eye, four years have come and gone once again and there is only one thought on everyone’s mind: the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The highly anticipated global event will return promising to deliver action, frustration and tears to all spectators internationally. As the world prepares for the 32-team tournament to kick off on Nov. 20, here are five things to know about the 2022 World Cup.

1. First tournament held in the Arab World
   
   For the first time in the tournament’s history, the World Cup will be hosted in a country located in the Middle East, after Qatar was named the host country in 2010. Unlike past tournaments, this year’s competition will take place in the winter months versus the summer season to accommodate for the extreme temperature Qatar experiences during the summer to minimize the safety concerns that may arise with playing in high levels of heat.
   
   
   
   
2. Qatar’s baggage and human rights criticism
   
   Since its inception, Qatar hosting the World Cup has been a topic of controversy. For many, Qatar should have never won the bid, especially over strong candidates such as the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea, due to its lack of infrastructure and small country size. After the decision had been finalized in 2010,  allegations were made that bribery and corruption influenced the decision to make Qatar the host. 17 out of the 22 FIFA executives who took part in granting Qatar the World Cup have faced consequences due to the allegations with some being banned from football entirely. Beyond the face of corruption, human rights violations have been cited due to the treatment of migrant workers and number of unreported deaths allegedly caused by the harsh work conditions.
   
   
   
   
3. Who are the WC favorites?
   
   As with any sports tournament, there are always fan favorites in the crowd. This year’s top choice to win? None other than Brazil, the only country that has always held a spot in every World Cup. Brazil’s lead in the number of World Cup trophies it has acquired and energetic dynamic make it no surprise to see them as a favorite to win the tournament. Following close behind are Les Bleus and current World Champions, France, as odds place them as the runner ups in defending their current title and winning the tournament back-to-back. Last but not least, Argentina takes on the third top place with fans eager to see Messi take his team to glory this time around.
   
   
   
   
4. Last tournament for important names
   
   Speaking of fan favorites, many of today’s global soccer superstars will find themselves coming into the realization that this may be their last performance in the World Cup. With stars such as Messi, Ronaldo, Neuer, among others well into their thirties, fans can expect this to be the last time we see them on the World Cup pitch. What will a World Cup look like without the names of global sensations? It will definitely be a bittersweet era but for now, one can enjoy seeing the GOATs on the field.
   
   
   
   
5. Where to stay up-to date
   
   This is an international event that occurs only once every four years, don’t miss it. Although there will be early games, 4am early, for those in the United States, the World Cup is filled with moments that will be record breaking and memorable for years to come. To watch, Paramount+ and fuboTV will be broadcasting the matches in addition to streamers on platforms such as Youtube and Twitch. Spain’s very own coach, Luis Enrique, says that he’ll stream on Twitch during the World Cup to provide exclusive content with fans watching along. Still, many matches may be taking place throughout the school or workday, leaving spectators without the opportunity to watch. For updates and highlights, follow the FIFA World Cup’s social media and visit their website to see any missed action.
   
   It might’ve taken four years to get here but before you know it, the long awaited game will once again be over but for now enjoy the tears and joy that come with the experience of the World Cup.