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FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Why in the News?

Recently, Argentina won the FIFA (Fédération internationale de Football Association) World Cup 2022 held in Qatar by defeating France.

What is the FIFA World Cup?

• About:
  • The most prestigious tournament in the world – taking place quadrennially.
• First FIFA WC:
  • Held in Uruguay in 1930, Won by Uruguay.
• Trophy:
  • The trophy cup awarded from 1930 to 1970 was the Jules Rimet Trophy, named for the Frenchman who proposed the tournament.
  • A new trophy called the FIFA World Cup was put up for competition in 1970.
• Key Highlights of FIFA WC 2022:
  • Awards: FIFA announced a number of awards to recognize the great performance of players throughout the WC including
    • Golden Boot (Most number of Goals) – Kylian Mbappe (France)
    • Golden Glove – Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)
    • Golden Ball (Performer of the Tournament) – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
    • Young Player – Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
    • FIFA Fair Play Award – England
  • FIFA WC Official Ball:
    • Al Rihla (means – ‘the journey’) – a reference to a travelogue written by Ibn Battuta, the 14th-century explorer.
      • Al Rihla is the first World Cup ball to be made exclusively with water-based inks and glues.
      • Al Rihla was to be used in the event until the quarterfinals, Al Hilm’ replaced Al Rihla FIFA WC 2022 semi-finals and final.
    • At the time of First FIFA WC (1930), there was no official ball and both the finalists – Uruguay (T Model ball) and Argentina (Tiento) – brought their own balls.
    • Pakistan produces more than 2/3rd of the world’s footballs, with Sialkot being the hub of manufacturing.
  • Official Mascot:
    • La’eeb was the Official Mascot for FIFA WC 2022.
      • ‘La’eeb’ in Arabic translates to ‘super-skilled player’.