Doha, December 20 (QNA) - The ambassadors of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 confirmed that the World Cup was a resounding success, proved Qatar's efficiency in organizing major sports tournaments, and set new standards for hosting future editions of the tournament, and other global events.

In an interview with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy after concluding the first edition of the World Cup in the Arab world at Lusail Stadium last Sunday, the stars of Arab and international football said that the close-distance nature of the tournament created an unparalleled experience for fans, as it allowed them to attend more than one match in one day, with easy movement around the country.

Former Iraqi football star Younis Mahmoud said "This tournament was exceptional in every way, from the moment Qatar won the rights to host the World Cup, the organizers promised fans this would be an event unlike any other , and thats exactly what theyve delivered." He continued: "From stadiums to fan experiences, Qatar set new standards in the way a World Cup can be organized. I am sure future host countries will hope they can replicate some of the magic of this tournament." "Giving fans the ability to attend more than one match a day was something truly wonderful," said former Oman goalkeeper, Ali Al Habsi. "It allowed fans to get really immersed in all the color and magic of the tournament, to meet fans from all participating countries and make memories that will last a lifetime. I think the compact nature was one of the great successes of the tournament, creating a platform for people to meet, break down cultural barriers and enjoy the beautiful game that we all love." Qatar 2022 set new standards for stadium innovation, public transportation and sustainable practices that will leave an important legacy for the way future World Cups and other mega events are staged around the globe.

Ivory Coast legend, Yaya Toure, said: "We were a bit surprised by what Morocco achieved because it was impressive. It shows that African football is nearly there". "We have been waiting for that moment in African football for a very long time. Moroccos performances in Qatar make us believe that, sooner or later, an African country will lift the trophy." Denmark international Nadia Nadim, who was born in Afghanistan commented:" "I hope the region experiences a boost in a lot of football coming here.

You want to have more talents coming through and you want the womens game to be affected by this World Cup." She added: "Whenever you have a boost of football, you see newer generations coming through. For me, thats probably the most important part that you want to tap into because access to football for youngsters, male and female, is really important." One of the remarkable stories on the pitch was Moroccos run to the semi-finals, which made them the first Arab and African country to make the last four in World Cup history.

Australia legend Tim Cahill confirmed: "Its important how the influence of Qatar 2022 will play on future World Cups, with the infrastructure and air-conditioned stadiums the country built, and making people think about how the tournament can be staged closer together and allow people to experience two games in a day. I think that will be a big task because going to one game usually takes you from city to city".

He concluded: "When it sinks in what Qatar 2022 has achieved, future World Cup organizers will think how they can deliver something similar. For example, how does America, Canada and Mexico have a flavor of Qatar in 2026? I know their management is already talking about that and how incredible this World Cup has been."

More than 1.4 million people visited Qatar during the 29-day event, with a cumulative attendance reaching 3.4 million over the 64 games for an average match attendance of over 53,000.

The tournament showcased Qatar and the Arab worlds ability to stage mega events and set a new benchmark for future mega-event host nations. It also included arguably the greatest final in FIFA World Cup history, which ended with Lionel Messi lifting the trophy for Argentina after an astonishing penalty shoot-out victory against France. (QNA)