2022 Men’s World Cup

The World Cup is an international event which takes place every four years. It was first held
in Uruguay in 1930, and has only been cancelled twice (in 1942 and 1946 due to the Second
World War). The World Cup can take place in any country around the world and, in recent
years, has been held in South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014) and Russia (2018). In 2022, the
22nd World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 21st to December 18th 2022.

Following qualification, which is determined through qualifying matches, the final tournament
will include 32 national teams. However, the host team (Qatar) will qualify automatically.
During the tournament, a total of 64 matches will be played in eight different stadiums across
three cities, by some of the best soccer players around the world.

Did You Know?

In 2022, Team Canada qualified to play in the World Cup! This

has only happened one other time, back in 1986.

The teams will be split into eight groups of four teams, with Canada in
Group F alongside Belgium, Morocco and Croatia. Following the group
stage matches, the top two teams (based on points from the group stage games where they
receive 1 point per draw, tie game, or 3 points per win) from each group will go through to the
knockout stage, which consists of a round of 16 teams, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.
This will be played at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, on December 18th 2022, the final
day of the tournament.

Every World Cup has an official emblem (a symbolic object or badge for a
nation, organization or family). For the 2022 World Cup, the
emblem takes the shape of a number eight or an infinity symbol.
The eight represents the eight stadiums across Qatar in which
the matches will be played, and the looping shape also closely
resembles the shape of the World Cup trophy. The flowing shape of the
emblem is also reminiscent of a traditional woolen shawl, worn by many
people in the region.

The infinity loop in the emblem is important as it symbolizes the

interconnectedness of the event, and how the sport brings people
together.

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 2022 Men’s World Cup
Always present at any World Cup is the official mascot (a person or
thing that is supposed to bring good luck). The 2022 Men’s World Cup
mascot is La’eeb, whose name means “skilled player” in Arabic. La’eeb’s design is also culturally
significant as it resembles the ghutrah, a traditional white headdress worn by men in the
region. Described as fun, adventurous and curious, no doubt La’eeb will be ready to welcome the
world to Qatar, bringing cheer to players and fans alike.

At the end of the tournament, the winning team is presented with the gold World Cup trophy,
which, due to its high value, they only keep until the post-match celebrations are complete.
They then receive a gold-plated replica of the trophy to take away. All members of the top three
teams, including players, coaches and managers, receive medals depicting the World Cup trophy
in gold (winners), silver (runner-ups) and bronze (third place).

Did You Know?

The original World Cup trophy was stolen twice! The first time was in London in
1966, when a dog called Pickles found it wrapped in newspaper under a hedge. He
ended up in a lot of newspapers himself!

In 1970, the Brazilian team were presented with the original trophy to keep
(after they won the tournament for the third time) and place it on display in Rio
de Janeiro. However, in 1983, it was stolen again, and is thought to have been
melted down! Therefore, a new trophy – the one still used today – was made.

Did You Know?

The 2026 Men’s World Cup will

take place in North America. The
tournament will be jointly hosted
by three countries – Canada,
United States of America (USA)
and Mexico.

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 The Men’s World Cup Questions
1. In which years did The Men’s World Cup not take place? Check two.

1930

1942

1946

2006

2. What is the reason that caused The Men’s World Cup to be cancelled?

3. Which three countries will Canada play during the group stages of the Men’s World Cup?

4. What does the 2022 World Cup emblem symbolize?

5. Match the dates to the events.

1966 The original World Cup trophy was stolen in Rio de Janeiro.

1970 The Brazilian team won the trophy to keep.

1983 The original World Cup trophy was stolen in London.

6. Where will the 2026 Men’s World Cup take place?

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 The Men’s World Cup Answers
1. In which years did The Men’s World Cup not take place? Check two.

1930

1942

1946

2006

2. What is the reason that caused The Men’s World Cup to be cancelled?
The World Cup was cancelled twice during the Second World War.

3. Which three countries will Canada play during the group stages of the Men’s World Cup?
Canada will play Belgium, Morocco and Croatia during the group stages.

4. What does the 2022 World Cup emblem symbolize?

The 2022 World Cup emblem, shaped like an eight or infinity symbol, symbolizes eight
stadiums in which the matches will be played, and the interconnectedness of the event
(bringing people and nations together). The emblem’s design is also reminiscent of a
traditional woolen shawl that is common to the region, and/or the shape of the World
Cup trophy.

5. Match the dates to the events.

1966 The original World Cup trophy was stolen in Rio de Janeiro.

1970 The Brazilian team won the trophy to keep.

1983 The original World Cup trophy was stolen in London.

6. Where will the 2026 Men’s World Cup take place?

The 2026 World Cup will take place in North America. It will be jointly hosted by
Canada, United States of America (USA) and Mexico.

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