233 days before the World Cup (November 21-December 18), the small emirate is focusing attention on its future competition, with the highly anticipated distribution of the first round posters.

The football World Cup ball, "Al Rihla" (the journey), which will take place in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, 2022 MOHAMED ALI ABDELWAHID FIFA / AFP

What to eclipse, the time of a ceremony presented in particular by the British actor Idris Elba, the extra-sporting controversies which escort the tournament?

They have not been lacking since the attribution of the event in 2010, from the question of human rights in Qatar to that of the recent exclusion of Russia from the qualifications after the invasion of Ukraine.

"We want it to be a party, a celebration of football, with positivity, with the whole world coming together here in Qatar, where the infrastructure is spectacular," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Friday in Doha. opening of the annual Congress of Conmebol, the South American confederation.

"Qatar will do everything to make sure everyone is welcome here."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the 72nd Body Congress in Doha, March 31, 2022 FRANCK FIFE AFP

In the meantime, it's time for the draw, carried out among others by several former players, the Brazilian Cafu, the German Lothar Matthaus and the Nigerian Jay-Jay Okocha, at the Doha Convention Center (DECC), a dream showcase in worldview for Qatari authorities and outcome in their sports diplomacy policy.

World Cup 2022: the procedure for drawing lots for groups Vincent LEFAI AFP

"There will be many surprises. The draw will be different from previous ones, on a whole new level," promised Yasir Al-Jamal, one of the officials of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the 2022 World Cup.

"Atmosphere"

Performances are announced giving "a glimpse of the atmosphere that will reign in the host country for the flagship football competition" or even the first images of the tournament mascot, after the broadcast of the first official song, "Hayya Hayya (Better Together)", unveiled during the day.

This R&B and reggae-influenced track is performed "by young American star Trinidad Cardona, Afrobeat phenom Davido and Qatari sensation Aisha".

But from Tokyo to Buenos Aires, from Ottawa to Dakar, the supporters of the 29 nations already qualified (out of 32) will especially have their eyes riveted on the famous balls divided into four hats of prestige and decreasing sporting level.

General view of the Congress Center, March 31, 2022 in Doha, where the draw for the World Cup-2022 will take place on April 1 FRANCK FIFE AFP

For Qatar, host country which is playing its first World Cup, defending champion France and the six other best nations in the FIFA rankings (England, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Spain, Portugal), being in the top hat is the guarantee of not clash.

But, in hat 2, a number of scarecrows lurk: the resurgent Germany of coach Hansi Flick, the Netherlands of Virgil Van Dijk, the always-attractive Uruguay team with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, or even Croatia vice-world champion.

France, fallen from above after the early elimination at the Euro last summer but conquering a few months later in the League of Nations, could find Croatia for a revenge of the 2018 final: Europe, with its 13 representatives , is the only confederation whose teams can compete in the group stage.

stars

Neymar's Brazil, Lionel Messi's Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, Kevin De Bruyne's Belgium... All the stars of football will follow the draw, with other big names to avoid in hat 3, such as Senegal champion of Africa or Poland of Robert Lewandowski.

Qualifications for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar Vincent LEFAI AFP

Unusually for this quadrennial high mass, three participants are still missing in hat 4.

In June, on a match in Qatar, two tickets will be awarded: Peru will face the winner of the Asian play-off United Arab Emirates-Australia and New Zealand will challenge Costa Rica.

Finally, it will remain to be determined who from Wales or the winner of Scotland-Ukraine, postponed due to the Russian invasion in this country, will win the last European ticket.

People gathered near the clock marking the countdown to the FIFA World Cup, in Doha, Qatar, on March 30, 2022 KARIM JAAFAR AFP

Some 1.2 million visitors are expected for the first World Cup in an Arab country, which will miss, in addition to Italy European champions, Egypt of Mohamed Salah, Algeria of Riyad Mahrez and Sweden of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

© 2022 AFP