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World Cup 2022: Here’s what happened during Week 1
The 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup, hosted by Qatar, is officially in full swing. Prior to its opening match last Sunday, the tournament was already facing controversy due to its host country’s track record of human-rights violations. From protests against Qatar's anti-LGBTQ laws and solidarity for Iran's anti-government demonstrators to headline-making upsets and draws, here’s a recap of what’s happened so far as we inch closer to the knockout stage of the competition.
ONGOING PROTESTS ON AND OFF THE PITCH
The 2022 World Cup is being played — controversially — in Qatar, which has a track record of human-rights violations, including anti-LGBTQ and anti-women laws. FIFA has been criticized for threatening to punish World Cup players who wear a "One Love" armband to promote inclusivity and diversity. Other acts of solidarity include Iran's soccer team not singing the country's national anthem ahead of their opening game against England, to show support for anti-government demonstrators back home.
GOODBYE, QATAR
Qatar became the first host nation of the World Cup to ever lose its opening game at the tournament as it was beaten 2-0 by Ecuador on Sunday.
Qatar is already out of the 2022 World Cup. The host was first beaten by 2-0 by Ecuador, setting the unwanted record of becoming the first host nation of a World Cup ever to lose its opening game of the tournament, then lost 3-1 to Senegal.
A WORLD CUP OF UPSETS
From Argentina’s stunning 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia to Japan’s shocking victory over four-time World Cup champion Germany, this year’s competition hasn’t been short of jaw-dropping, unpredictable upsets.
NEW RULES, LONGER MATCHES
If you've watched any of the matches at this year's World Cup in Qatar, chances are you were watching it for far longer than the usual 90 minutes. In just six matches at the tournament so far, there has been a total of almost 90 minutes of added time.
WHERE’S THE BEER?!
Qatar agreed to relax its alcohol restrictions to allow Budweiser to sell its beverages at certain venues and at certain times. However, in a sudden turn of events, World Cup organizers announced a total ban on the sale of alcohol in the stadiums two days before the start of the tournament, at the insistence of the royal family. In protest at the late U-turn, Ecuador's fans erupted into chants of "We want beer" during the opening match against Qatar.
HOW TO WATCH TEAM USA'S MATCH with IRAN
After missing out on qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the United States men's national team made its return to soccer's grandest stage. USMNT has drawn two straight games to open their World Cup, setting up a must-win matchup against Iran in their final match of the group stage on Tuesday.
