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Qatar’s $300 billion World Cup is headed for an epic comedown

By Giles Turner and David Hellier

15 Dec 2022 · 5 min read

Editor's Note

A $300 billion marketing splurge will culminate with Qatar hosting Sunday's World Cup final. Was it worth it? And does it even matter for a nation with seemingly bottomless pockets? Bloomberg reports.

When Qatar was drawn out of the envelope as a future host of the World Cup back in 2010, it was doubtful the majority of football fans would have been able to find it on a map.

A dozen years, $300 billion and a raft of controversy later, one of the most expensive marketing campaigns in history will culminate with the tiny Gulf state hosting a final on Sunday between Argentina and France that's expected to be watched by half the planet.

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