Did you follow the FIFA World Cup in Qatar? It ends this Sunday, December 18, after 4 weeks of competition and 64 matches. And it ends with a dream game for us French, because our national team will face Argentina to try to obtain a third planetary title!
The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world. Several billion people are passionate about this competition every 4 years. It must be said that soccer is the most popular sport in the world. It is practiced on every continent, and the most famous footballers are sometimes real stars in their countries.
This year, it took place in Qatar. It is the first time in history that a World Cup has been organized by an Arab country. The popular fervor in the Middle East and North Africa is incredible, especially as Morocco reached the semi-finals of the tournament this year.
On the other hand, in Europe, the enthusiasm has not been up to the level of previous World Cups. The choice of Qatar fas organizer has been much decried. Many have condemned corruption issues that prompted FIFA (the International Football Federation) to choose Qatar over another country.
Other issues have also been relayed in the media.
For instance, the very precarious working conditions of the workers who built the stadiums (many were immigrant workers from India or Pakistan), or even the fact that the stadiums, built in the middle of the desert, are air-conditioned.
As I said, the French team will play the final this Sunday against Argentina. The French are holders of the title since they were crowned 4 years ago in Russia. It is also only the third time that a team has managed to reach the final two editions in a row. If France wins the final for the second time in a row, it will do as well as Italy in 1938, and Brazil in 1962. A considerable feat!
In 4 years, in 2026, the football world cup will change continent and will be organized jointly by Mexico, Canada and the United States! But until then, as we say at home, “Allez les Bleus”.
If you come to my place for an immersion stay in Provence, I will make you discover the different aspects of Provence: the landscapes and the scents, but also the culture, the gastronomy... while helping you to improve your French. See you soon in Provence!
Virginie In Provence