Air-conditioned open air stadiums, female referees and Chinese representatives - All things that make the Qatar World Cup different from other world cups.

Winter World Cup

The Qatar World Cup will become the first World Cup to be held in winter at the Northern Hemisphere because of the tropical desert climate in the host country. Even so, the nation will provide air conditioning in seven of the eight tournament stadiums that are open-air to protect players and spectators from the possible heat.