FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes the group stage of the 2022 World Cup is the best ever in the competition’s history.
The ongoing World Cup in Qatar has witnessed major upsets in the group stages.
Saudi Arabia’s win against Argentina, Japan beating Germany and Belgium losing to Morocco are a few to mention.
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“I have seen all the matches, indeed, and put very simply and very clearly, this has been the best group stage of a FIFA World Cup ever. So, it’s very promising for the remainder of the FIFA World Cup,” Infantino said.
“The matches have been of great, great quality in beautiful stadiums – we knew that already. However, as well, the public who was there was incredible. Over 51,000 on average.”
“There are no more small teams and no more big teams,” Infantino added.
“The level is very, very equal. For the first time as well, national teams from all continents going to the knock-out phase, for the first time in history. This shows that football is really becoming truly global.”
FIFA reported that, attendance for the 48 group matches was 2.45million.
Infantino added: “When it comes to stadium attendances, the stadiums are sold-out, full practically at every match. The fan festivals, the different fan zones, are also very crowded with people celebrating and enjoying (themselves).”
The World Cup is currently in the quarter final stage.
