DOHA, Qatar -- One year has passed since the commencement of what is deemed the most contentious World Cup in history, initiated by a promotional pitch from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

After facing persistent criticism for the decision to grant Qatar the hosting rights for the paramount sporting event, a decision made prior to his tenure, Infantino vehemently criticized what he perceived as "hypocrisy" and "racism" from nations he accused of moralizing about the human rights situation in the Middle East nation. Declaring, "today I feel Qatari ... Arab ... African ... gay ... disabled ... a migrant worker," he rebuked the West for its perceived double standards in focusing on Qatar's labor abuses, asserting that FIFA, football, the World Cup, and Qatar itself cared about the workers.

Despite the initial controversy, the focus shifted to the football spectacle. Lionel Messi guided Argentina to victory in a final celebrated as one of the greatest games in history. The tournament witnessed a record-breaking goal tally of 172, and FIFA reported an attendance of 3.4 million spectators. The four-year cycle leading up to 2022 proved to be the most financially lucrative, generating $7.5 billion.

Infantino later hailed the tournament as "the best ever" due to the "unique, cohesive power" it showcased. Although an official figure was never disclosed, estimates suggest that Qatar spent $220 billion on organizing the World Cup.

However, the human toll remains ambiguous, marked by the fatalities of migrant workers involved in delivering the tournament, with the exact count likely never to be accurately determined. Thousands more suffered injuries, experienced wage theft, or felt aggrieved by the inadequate implementation of reforms to the country's kafala system, which previously restricted employees' freedom to change jobs at will.

Minky Worden, the director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, remarked to ESPN, "It was the highest grossing World Cup for FIFA and the deadliest event in the history of world sport."

As the World Cup concluded, Infantino announced the establishment of a FIFA Legacy Fund to facilitate support for compensation claims, providing an alternative avenue to the Qatari government's Workers' Support and Insurance Fund.

Upon returning to Doha in November 2023, ESPN sought to assess the legacy of the Qatar World Cup by consulting experts, the International Labour Organisation, migrant workers, Qatari officials, and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. Notably, FIFA declined multiple interview requests from ESPN for an interaction with Infantino.

Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani adorned Lionel Messi with a bisht, and subsequently, FIFA's president presented him with the World Cup trophy after the 2022 final at Lusail Stadium.

The sporting legacy:

In the waning Arab sunlight, Lusail Stadium's resplendent structure stands as a timeless symbol of sporting greatness. The FIFA World Cup 2022 insignia remains prominently displayed.

A closer look reveals a few workers suspended by cables from the roof, meticulously preserving the grandeur of the arena where Messi definitively settled the debate on the greatest player of his generation. Vast, empty parking lots extend into the distant horizon. Security personnel sit wearily in their chairs, strategically positioned in the shade of nearby cabins to escape the intense heat. Vigilant litter pickers patrol the adjacent area with hope rather than expectation.

While many World Cups prompt concerns about the aftermath once the FIFA spectacle departs, in numerous nations with a deep football heritage, these stadiums evolve into tourist magnets intricately woven into the fabric of the national game. However, Lusail is a city that did not exist in 2005, yet it boasts an almost 90,000-capacity cutting-edge stadium. During the Argentina vs. Mexico match, it achieved the second-highest attendance in the history of the men's World Cup, with 88,966 spectators.

The signage of FIFA's World Cup still stands adjacent to Lusail Stadium, persisting nearly twelve months after hosting the 2022 final.

Situated approximately 10 miles north of Doha, the Qatari capital, Lusail Stadium witnessed Messi's remarkable feat of leading Argentina to victory, where he hoisted the trophy adorned in a bisht, a ceremonial black robe presented by the Emir of Qatar. In the realm of iconic sporting moments for the Middle East, this was unparalleled.

Following their triumph, Messi and his Argentine teammates paraded the trophy along Lusail Boulevard, linking the stadium to Lusail's Plaza Towers, featuring four pillars supporting a suspended metallic sculpture of a whale-shark. Lusail, designed as Qatar's "City of the Future," currently displays a somewhat desolate scene with vacant stores and minimal tourist presence on Lusail Boulevard. Despite the current state, ongoing construction projects, including the Lusail Museum scheduled to open in 2029, suggest a locale awaiting further development. Lusail Boulevard, a multilane thoroughfare, is lined with shops and eateries, ranging from Chuck E. Cheese to the British supermarket chain Sainsbury's. However, these establishments are far from capacity, with many remaining entirely vacant.

In April, H E Akbar Al Baker, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group chief executive, asserted that hotel occupancy rates in Doha were approximately 65-70%. Contrarily, ESPN sources indicate an occupancy rate of around 40%, with one source suggesting it might have dwindled to approximately 20% in the Lusail region.

Designed as Qatar's 'City of the Future,' Lusail remains sparsely populated, with a scarcity of individuals to patronize its shops and restaurants.

In the eastern part of Doha, the Qatar national team contested their World Cup 2026 qualifier against Afghanistan on November 16 at Khalifa International Stadium. Faced with 18 withdrawals, Afghanistan's team struggled, amid suspicions of misappropriation of FIFA funds by the Afghani Football Association. Qatar secured an 8-1 victory in front of an official crowd of 19,374, featuring a substantial number of children enthusiastically engaging in the 'Viking Thunder Clap,' a gesture popularized by Iceland fans at Euro 2016. Supporters acknowledged the stadium's potent air-conditioning with banners proclaiming: "Powered By Fans."

Six players from the starting lineup had also featured in Qatar's inaugural match of a campaign where, as the first World Cup host, they exited without earning a single point. Despite this, Qatar progressed to the Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, defeating eventual champions Mexico in the group stage. However, they encountered difficulties in friendlies against Kenya, Russia, Iraq, and Iran before triumphing over a makeshift Afghanistan side, coached by Ashley Westwood, who met the team for the first time that week.

All 26 players in the provisional Gold Cup squad played their club football in Qatar. Despite reaching 48th in the FIFA World Ranking last year, they now hold the 61st position. Manager Carlos Queiroz, who assumed control of the team in February, maintains a pragmatic outlook on their development.

Queiroz stated to ESPN, "Honestly, when I arrived, I did not find very much because the end of the cycle ended with almost nine players 33, 34 years old... We knew we needed to refresh the team and qualify for the World Cup but at the same time you are building the future. The players we are creating opportunities for, when they get back to their clubs, they don't have an opportunity."

Dr. Ahmed Abbassi, the executive director of competitions and football development at the Qatar Stars League (QSL), notes a positive impact on Qatar's domestic game. Following the World Cup, the league observed a threefold increase in registrations across various youth levels. FIFA and the QSL jointly launched a training program to enhance the league's logistics, covering aspects from sports governance to matchday operations and fan engagement.

The league, pricing general tickets at approximately $12.50, set a record attendance of 28,397 for Qatar's own Clásico, Al Rayyan against Al Arabi, in September. Despite attracting big names like Philippe Coutinho and Marco Verratti, the QSL faces competition from the Saudi Pro League, which experienced an influx of stars, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, over the past year.

Dr. Abbassi commented, "We have better players, better coaches, we are playing at a higher level and now in World Cup stadiums." Six of the nine World Cup stadiums are utilized for QSL matches, with Education City excluded and Lusail considered too special for regular use.

The original plan for Stadium 974 was its deconstruction after the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup.

Stadium 974, constructed from shipping containers totaling that number, a nod to Qatar's international dialing code, was initially designed for disassembly after the 2022 World Cup. The original plan included sending the materials to Africa and transforming the vacated area into a waterfront development. Contrary to this plan, both the stadium and World Cup signage still stand, and sources suggest multiple offers for the site have been considered, though no decision has been reached. Other sites, like Al Bayt, had post-tournament plans for a five-star hotel, shopping center, food court, gym, and multipurpose hall, but construction has yet to materialize. Qatar's significant wealth allows the country to maintain these stadiums, even with limited use, as sources note there is no urgency in deciding their fate.

While the global spotlight focused on the World Cup, Qatar is actively working toward its Qatar National Vision 2030, a long-term plan aimed at diversifying and sustaining the country beyond its oil and gas resources. Sport plays a pivotal role in this vision, and some argue that Qatar's extensive preparations for the World Cup align with its 2030 roadmap. There's speculation about Qatar's interest in hosting the Summer Olympics in the future.

A spokesperson for the Supreme Committee assured ESPN that all Qatar 2022 stadiums have been regularly utilized since the World Cup, serving as home grounds for Qatar Stars League clubs, hosting domestic league matches, Amir Cup finals, and international matches, including FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The AFC Asian Cup in January-February 2024 will also utilize seven out of eight Qatar 2022 stadiums. Plans for the post-tournament use of Stadium 974 will be disclosed in due course.

Despite the stunning aesthetics and the smooth conduct of World Cup matches without violence, the human cost remains a lingering concern, overshadowing Qatar's undeniable success in hosting an impressive global event.

The off-field legacy:

In discussions with ESPN, several human rights advocates expressed the view that the decision in December 2010 to award Qatar the hosting rights for the World Cup either overlooked or disregarded evident human rights concerns in the country.

This controversy is not unique to the tournament. The 2014 World Cup saw accusations against the Brazilian government for relocating some of the country's poorest residents from favelas to different areas. In the 2018 tournament in Russia, questions arose regarding President Vladimir Putin's political motivations for hosting the event, with Human Rights Watch suggesting an attempt to "sportswash his rule...[and] legitimize it by hosting a sporting mega-event."

Despite having nearly 12 years to prepare, FIFA did not establish its own human rights policy until 2017. While some sources in Qatar advocate for change, others believe Western media, in general or specifically against Qatar, exhibits bias towards the Middle East.

In defense of Qatar, Infantino referred to historical atrocities in Europe, emphasizing the need for humility given Europe's own history. However, relying on whataboutery as an answer is deemed unsatisfactory.

The crux of the matter lies in the data. The lack of agreement on the number of migrant worker deaths during the construction of World Cup stadiums and infrastructure raises serious concerns. Human Rights Watch cites Qatari government data from 2010-19, indicating 15,021 deaths of non-Qataris in any setting. However, Qatar ceased publishing this data beyond 2019. The Guardian reported approximately 6,500 deaths from 2010 to "up until the final few months of 2020," focusing on workers from five South Asian countries. The Guardian couldn't verify the occupation or workplace of the deceased.

The Supreme Committee has officially acknowledged only three deaths directly linked to stadium construction, attributing 37 deaths to other causes. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) reported 50 deaths in 2020, along with 506 severe injuries and an additional 37,601 mild or moderate injuries.

Divergent accounts persist regarding the count of migrant workers who lost their lives in connection to the construction for the 2022 World Cup.

"The current data quality is insufficient," remarked Max Tunon, the head of the ILO's Qatar office, in conversation with ESPN. He explained that there's an ongoing effort to establish a system for streamlining the collection and analysis of data. At present, the Qatari Ministries of Public Health, Labour, and Interior each have their own criteria for defining occupational injuries and deaths.

Within the broader figure of 15,021, numerous deaths have been attributed to cardiac arrest or natural causes. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and other advocacy groups are managing numerous cases where families of deceased migrant workers believe that the cause of death has been intentionally misclassified to avoid acknowledging wrongdoing and subsequent compensation.

Tunon emphasized the difficulty of retroactively investigating deaths over the past decade, stating, "We may never know the true number." He stressed the need for more investigations into potentially work-related deaths in the future. However, he acknowledged the challenges, saying, "If a worker dies in his sleep and is otherwise seemingly healthy, there should be an investigation to look into the conditions of work. But it would be very difficult to go back and retroactively do it. If a certificate states natural or cardiac arrest as the cause of death, it would be very difficult to go back 10 years and determine that, in fact, the death was work-related."

Regarding compensation for families in cases that cannot be definitively resolved, Tunon expressed skepticism, stating, "I don't think so."


As a United Nations agency tasked with advancing social and economic justice, the ILO established a Doha office in 2018, with a mandate to facilitate labor reforms in Qatar. Substantial changes have been implemented.

The kafala system, prevalent in Qatar and the Persian Gulf, required migrants to have sponsors to enter the country, limiting job changes and exits without sponsor approval. The 2017 reforms, in collaboration with the ILO, eliminated the need for a no objection certificate (NOC) and exit permit. Additionally, a minimum wage of 1000 Qatari riyals ($275) per month was introduced in 2017, with employers allocating 500 QR ($137) monthly for accommodation and 300 QR ($82) for food. The Hayya card system now extends to workers' families for visiting. New heat protection laws restrict outdoor construction work from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. between June 1 and Sept. 15. Government data indicates 669,198 people changed jobs successfully between September 2020 and October 2023, with 364,053 applications rejected, according to the ILO.

Despite these reforms, challenges persist. Amnesty International recently stated that "remedy and justice for hundreds of thousands of workers who suffered abuses linked to the tournament remain elusive." There is a significant backlog in labor courts, with workers fighting wage theft cases against companies accused of withholding wages. Cases can extend for years, leading many workers to abandon the pursuit of justice and return home without pay.

Human rights campaigners informed ESPN that employers sometimes confiscate workers' passports and bank cards, creating a climate of fear hindering issue reporting. Companies are reported to swiftly file absconding charges, leading to arrest and deportation, often with minimal evidence, according to Human Rights Watch and FairSquare.

Despite the labor reforms introduced for the World Cup, numerous migrant workers in Qatar continue to experience substandard treatment.

ESPN interviewed two Nepali migrant workers, identified as "Worker A" and "Worker B" for their protection. "Worker A," employed as a safety supervisor in construction, shared the challenges he faced during a two-year case filed with the labor department, involving delayed payments and difficulties supporting his family. "Worker B," a retail department manager, highlighted issues with the job change process, delayed and unfairly reduced overtime payments, and discriminatory salary practices based on passports.

Numerous sources in Qatar report ongoing resistance to kafala reforms, inadequate implementation of changes, and the Ministry of Labour's (MoL) perceived failure to offer a swift path to justice. The Supreme Committee has experienced reduced staff numbers, and there are indications of restructuring at the MoL, including new safety and health departments. Frustrations persist despite these changes.

A spokesperson for the Supreme Committee emphasized their commitment to workers' welfare, citing improvements in accommodation, health and safety regulations, grievance mechanisms, healthcare provision, and reimbursement of illegal recruitment fees. The Committee contractually obliges contractors to provide Workmen's Compensation and Life Insurance for work-related accidents. Regarding non-work-related deaths, the Committee ensures contractors pay final salaries and end-of-service benefits within three weeks, collaborating with embassies to expedite payments. Over $28.5 million has been reimbursed to 50,000 workers for recruitment fees, and Workers' Forums, initiated by the Committee, serve as models for national implementation with 72 joint committees giving a voice to 50,000 employees.

The Ministry of Labour (MoL) declined multiple interview requests, but Qatar's International Media Office informed ESPN that the commitment to strengthen Qatar's labor system and safeguard workers' rights extended beyond the World Cup. The positive impact of labor reforms, according to them, includes the region's first non-discriminatory minimum wage, 97% of salaries protected through the Wage Protection System, the removal of job change barriers, a simplified complaints mechanism, easier access to justice, enforcement against illegal recruitment fees, increased awareness of workers' rights, leading health and safety standards, and financial support through the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF).

A source knowledgeable about the battle for union representation in Qatar, speaking anonymously, suggested the backlog in the courts might conceal the true extent of the problem despite the reported $630 million paid out to workers through the WSIF.

The WSIF and the ILO are considering holding an international conference on wage protection in Doha in 2024. The process for filing absconding charges now requires more information from employers. However, human rights campaigners argue that the ILO hasn't done enough to address the mounting problems, alleging misleading government data and insufficient progress in case processing capacity.

Max Tunon of the ILO emphasized their role as an international organization supporting the government in implementing national legislation aligned with international labor standards. He defended the incremental progress, stating that imposing measures without considering the national context might lead to unsustainable outcomes. Tunon highlighted the challenges faced by workers while acknowledging the government's commitment and the progress observed since 2018.

Despite prior calls from FIFA and human rights campaigners for a migrant workers' center in Doha, intended as a safe space for complaints, no such facility has been built, and sources claim the Qatari government currently has no plans to do so. Talks about the center reportedly never progressed to the identification of a potential site. FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced a "Labour Excellence Hub" at the World Cup closing news conference, surprising sources involved in labor reform discussions, but no tangible progress has been made.

Infantino also announced a FIFA Legacy Fund, inviting countries to contribute in exchange for influence over fund allocation. FIFA did not respond to inquiries about the absence of a migrant workers' center, details of fund payouts, or fund allocation. Human rights campaigners argue that no compensation has been provided to migrant worker families who lost relatives on worksites, despite cases with evidence supporting compensation claims. FIFA allegedly hired consultants for a report on remedies for worker deaths, which critics argue is designed to educate FIFA leaders rather than provide compensation.

FIFA acknowledged an ongoing independent assessment by the human rights & social responsibility sub-committee regarding access to remedies for workers, ensuring alignment with human rights commitments. Sources in Qatar suggest a population drop from around 3 million during the tournament to approximately 2.2 million, with many workers leaving. Despite events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Expo 2023, and the Asian Cup, projects have slowed, leading to increasing wage theft, rising unemployment, and growing worker issues. Worker B emphasized the need for continued international focus on Qatar during this critical time.


During the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was seated alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

The future:

Saudi Arabia, unexpectedly confirmed as the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup, has faced criticism for its human rights record, raising concerns about potential abuses similar to those in Qatar. With over six times the number of migrant workers and a problematic human rights history, the country's bid has sparked worries about transparency, corruption, and potential rights violations. FIFA's bidding documents outline the need for 14 stadiums and an estimated 13.4 million migrant workers, emphasizing the daunting nature of the infrastructure project. Despite concerns, some infrastructure experts from Qatar have reportedly been engaged by Saudi Arabia, and Qatar Airways is exploring a role as a lead airline partner.

While sources suggest preliminary talks about spreading out the games beyond Saudi Arabia, similar discussions during the 2022 World Cup reportedly fizzled out quickly. The bidding process has prompted reflections on the lessons from the Qatar World Cup, emphasizing the need for diligence and transparency in awarding major sporting events to mitigate potential human rights abuses.

Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group CEO H E Akbar Al Baker expressed pride in Saudi Arabia hosting the event, considering it an inspiration from Qatar's hosting experience. Acknowledging the Qatar-Saudi Arabia rivalry in football signings, Dr. Ahmed Abbassi highlighted the Qatar Stars League's focus on delivering high-quality football, competitive balance, and enhanced fan experience rather than seeking recognition through high-profile signings.

As FIFA awards the 2034 World Cup, concerns persist that the organization, by endorsing the chosen host, may inadvertently legitimize the country's political and social conditions. Human rights campaigners argue that FIFA needs to ensure due process when awarding tournaments to countries with potential human rights issues, as demonstrated by the concerns raised in Saudi Arabia's bid following lessons from the Qatar World Cup.