2022 World Cup – How Long Did the Tournament Last?

If you’ve ever wondered how many days the 2022 FIFA World Cup stretched over, you’re in the right place. The whole event ran for 28 days, kicking off on November 21, 2022 and wrapping up with the final on December 18, 2022. That’s just under a month of non‑stop soccer action, with 64 matches spread across eight stadiums in Qatar.

Key Dates and Match Schedule

The opening match featured the host nation, Qatar, against Ecuador. From there, the schedule moved quickly: group stage games were played every few days, giving teams a short recovery window before the next round. After the group stage, the knockout phase began on December 3, starting with the round of 16, then quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and the big final.

Because the tournament took place in the winter months, it avoided the extreme heat of a typical Qatari summer. This also meant that many games aired in the evening for European viewers, which helped boost global TV numbers.

Why the 28‑Day Format Matters

A 28‑day run packs a lot of excitement into a short period. Fans get to follow a fast‑paced storyline without long gaps between matches. For travelers, the compact schedule makes it easier to plan trips – you can experience the whole tournament without taking weeks off work.

From a player’s perspective, the tight timeline tests stamina and squad depth. Teams with strong benches usually handle the quick turnaround better, which is why you saw a few surprise upsets during the knockout rounds.

For anyone looking to relive the moments, the 2022 World Cup offered plenty of memorable highlights: Morocco’s historic run to the semi‑finals, Argentina’s dramatic comeback in the final, and the sheer number of goals scored during the group stage. All of these events happened within that four‑week window.

If you missed the live action, you can still catch full‑match replays, highlights, and analysis on the official FIFA YouTube channel or through streaming services that hold the rights. Knowing the exact dates helps you locate the right clips – just look for matches dated between November 21 and December 18, 2022.

So, whether you’re a casual fan wanting to know how long the tournament lasted, or a die‑hard supporter planning to watch every replay, the 28‑day span of the 2022 World Cup gives you a clear timeframe to work with. Grab your calendar, set the dates, and dive into the biggest soccer festival of the year!

How to watch the 2022 World Cup for free?

Watching the 2022 World Cup for free is totally possible and I'm here to share the secret. You may need to resort to streaming services like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub, which will broadcast the games live and for free, but you'll need a VPN if you're not in the UK. Alternatively, you could use websites that aggregate free sports streams, but beware of potential security risks. Also, several broadcasters may offer free trials during the World Cup season. So, get ready to cheer for your favorite team without breaking the bank!
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