FIFA World Cup 2022: Argentina Vs Mexico fixture witnessed biggest crowd in history of the competition

The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has recorded the highest-ever attendance in the global football tournament’s history, with an attendance of 2.45 million spectators, says a report. A report published by FIFA on their portal suggests that after 13 days and 48 matches, an average of 96 per cent occupancy, more than the 2.17 million figure recorded during its last edition in Russia.

The highest-ever crowd witnessed on the FIFA ground since 1994 final was seen at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar when 88,966 fans watched Argentina vs Mexico match last Saturday, November 26. Another interesting factor that happened in this World Cup is that teams from all continents have advanced to the Round of 16.

Three teams from the Asia Pacific region – Australia, Japan, and South Korea – reached the knockout stages which previously only had two teams back in 2002 and 2010. Two African teams as well – Senegal and Morocco – also reached the knockout stages.

Stephanie Frappart becomes first woman to officiate at World Cups

“The outcome of the group stage shows the extent to which more countries have acquired the tools to compete at the highest level,” said FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, said in a statement on Sunday. “This is the result of better preparation and analysis of the opponents, which is also a reflection of a more equal access to technology. It is very much in line with FIFA’s efforts to increase football’s competitiveness on a global scale.”

There were some more brilliant records set in this World Cup such as Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the first player to score in five World Cups, and the other created by Argentina striker Lionel Messi playing his 1000th game in his senior professional career. History was also made by Stephanie Frappart, who became the first woman to officiate a FIFA World Cup match, together with Neuza Back and Karen Díaz Medina, formed the first all-female trio to take charge.