The Next Generation of Football: A Guide to the Groundbreaking New Features and Technologies at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

The 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup is approaching next week after 12 years since the day Qatar was awarded hosting rights for the tournament. This will be the 22nd tournament of the competition and the first-ever world cup held in the Arab World. The opening match will be contested between Qatar and Ecuador. The final is due to be held on 18 December 2022, which is also Qatar National Day.

5 Substitution

Every team can do 5 substitutions in each game. The regulation was introduced by the International Football Association Board's rule-setting body. 

If any world cup game goes into extra time, one more substitution will be permitted. La Liga, MLS, and various football leagues applied this change past two years.

Female Referees

Three women have been included among 36 referees for the first time at the men's world cup. Rwanda's Salima Mukansanga, France's Stephanie Frappart, and Japan's Yoshimi Yamashita will serve among the 69 assistant referees. 

Kick-off in November

Due to the high temperature of Qatar in June and July, tournaments will be taking place during the months of November and December. Temperatures are forecasted to range from 14-31 C at the time of the tournament.

Technology (Offside)

FIFA announced to use of a semi-automated offside system at World Cup in July to help make fast and accurate offside calls. 

A sensor technology in the ball and a limb-tracking camera system will follow the player's movements. 3D images will project onto stadium screens to view & help fans for a better understanding of referee's decisions.

Extended Squad Lists

Due to the timing of the tournament being held in November and also the Covid-19 pandemic disruptions, FIFA allowed countries to name squads containing 26 players which previously was 23.

Qatar will be the smallest country ever to host the FIFA World Cup with a population of around 3 million and an area of little more than 4440 sq miles. Within 50 km of Doha, all eight stadiums are located and will feature more than 4 games. To avoid heavy congestion on the streets, schools in Qatar will remain closed during tournaments while office working hours have been reduced.