On The 2022 World Cup In Qatar And Its Possible Effects On MLS
- Updated: October 8, 2015
Situated in the Middle East in the desert, the people of Qatar live in extreme heat. As a result, the temperatures became a determining factor when planning for the 2022 World Cup and inevitably deciding when FIFA holds the tournament. Do they hold it during the normal period for the World Cup—June to July—but in doors to protect the fans, coaches, and players? Or do they completely change it?
On September 25, 2015, FIFA announced that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will begin on November 21 and end on Qatar’s National Day, December 18 (NBC Sports Soccer). It will be shorter than the 2014 World Cup in Brazil by four days. These two months will be much cooler than the summer months of June and July.
As happy as I am to hear some good news about the 2022 World Cup, I have some concerns. How will it affect soccer in the United States, specifically Major League Soccer? Already, soccer competes with American football for television slots. Now, it will fight for spots with it and World Cup matches. Nonetheless, this issue should be relatively easy for Major League Soccer officials to clear up with the media. Worst-case scenario—all MLS games could be shown on MLS Live.
Normally, the MLS Regular Season lasts until the end of October and the Playoffs begin in November with the MLS Cup sometime in December. How will MLS deal with the 2022 World Cup right around the same time? Will the executives shorten the playoffs? Will they shorten the season? MLS might consider decreasing the number of teams that participate in the playoffs. In theory, this action might actually increase the tension throughout the regular season and create more excitement for the MLS Cup. By 2022, MLS will have added two teams—Atlanta United and LAFC—which will probably increase the season, and more teams might be on the way as well.
My final concern is related to the 2022 MLS Playoffs. With so many MLS players currently playing for their home countries’ National Teams, how will these call ups affect their MLS teams’ performances during the playoffs in 2022? I think it will be a highly unpredictable season for this reason. Not every team will lose a player to international duty, but it is likely that over half of them might. New players then will have to step up and become leaders on these teams. Will fans be more inclined to skip MLS games in order to watch their favorite players during the World Cup? It’s possible.
Either way, the executives of Major League Soccer must think of something—they have less than seven years to make changes. They will need to use the passion from the World Cup to their benefit while also making sure to give current MLS fans the opportunity to watch their favorite teams play during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
2022 World Cup Will Begin in November in Qatar — NBC Sports Soccer
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