It is being played in a reduced timeframe of 29 days. 64 matches are being played in eight venues across five cities. The opening match was between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor. In their first-ever World Cup appearance, Qatar lost 2–0, becoming the first host nation to lose their opening game,first host nation ever to be eliminated from FIFA World cup on their second match of the group stages. The final will be held on 18 December 2022 at Lusail Stadium, coinciding with Qatar’s National Day.