THE 2022 FIFA World Cup is expected to be watched by five billion people around the world, said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

“The last World Cup was watched by four billion people, while the last Women’s World Cup was watched by 1.2 billion people.

“The World Cup in Qatar this year will be watched by five billion people, more than half of the global population.

“All these people, who follow and pursue the same passion, they all feel the same way and know that football has a uniting force,” he was quoted as saying yesterday, as reported by Qatar news agency.

Infantino reiterated his long-held belief in the sport’s ability to heal and unite on a global scale.

He cited the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup as an example of such an opportunity, especially after the coronavirus pandemic and global conflicts isolated and divided people around the world.

“Mandela said sports can change the world, that it inspires, that it unites, and he was right about that.” – Bernama, May 24, 2022.