Two Goliaths fell today as Russia and Qatar were selected to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively. Both England and the U.S. were considered slight favorites in what appeared to be the tighest race for a World Cup in recent history. As an American, it is easy to be disappointed about the defeated 2022 USA Bid. It is easy to criticize FIFA, saying that the organization bowed down to the oil dollars. It is easy to hop on the bandwagon of reporters questioning FIFA’s integrity amidst scandals and allegations of wrongdoing.
But it is also easy to understand what FIFA did today. They something genuine and symbolic, saying yes to Qatar and the Middle East. Sending the World Cup to this part of the world took courage and a paradigm shift, but it was a step forward in diversity and understanding of the Eastern world. The World Cup is better than the Olympics at stopping civil wars and bringing peace. Why can’t the 2022 World Cup be a time to showcase the entire Middle East? Maybe it can bring peace to a region scarred by conflict. Maybe, just maybe the outside world can stop and take a moment to understand the real Middle East. It could be a time of unity, acceptance, redemption, and forgiveness.
It’s time to accept that the U.S. tried but failed in our attempt to host and that Qatar worked hard to get this opportunity. It was never about oil, natural gas, money, or population; it was about passion, desire, and wanting something with all your heart. Qatar beat us at our own game. But guess what? this is the right thing done at the right time, a decision that goes beyond football and sport. We will see the true power of the beautiful game and what changes it can bring along.
Qatar’s bid was first-class and showed great character. It makes you smile when you hear that they will tear down and reassemble their gorgeous stadiums in developing countries after their World Cup is over. That is certainly the altruistic thing to do. Qatar is by far the most progressive nation in the Persian Gulf region. The tiny country of less than 2 million dispels the common stereotypes of Arabic nations. They are in the process of launching a professional women’s league and are willing to welcome Israel into the country (should they qualify).
Choosing the U.S. would have been a predictable and easy choice; selecting Qatar took courage and foresight.
