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Young but Raring: Stars to watch out for at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 is going to be one like no other. There’s nothing ordinary about it. It’s the first time that an Arab country — Qatar — will host the biggest sporting event in the world. Of course, that’s come at a reported cost of an unimaginable $220 billion. The tournament will be held from November 20 to December 18 across eight state-of-the-art stadiums and the entire country is gearing up to showcase its luxury. Hamad International Airport in Doha is ready to be one of the busiest airports, expected to have a steady in-flow of visitors with over 1300 flights a day.

At some point, after the years of brouhaha about the first World Cup to be held in the winter relents, football will have to take centre stage. And we’re in for a treat. The world has been through a lot since the last FIFA World Cup in Russia. We’ve survived the lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Oh yes, Russia has gone to war with Ukraine, Donald Trump is no longer president of USA, Roger Federer retired from tennis and Rafael Nadal became the first man to win 22 Gram Slam titles. Lest we forget, Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the field, mulled retirement and then made a return to the highest level of football.

So yes, this World Cup is bound to be different, because the world as we know it, is different. What will remain the same is the passion on the field at this quadrennial extravaganza.

The Teenager Today takes a look at the top five youngsters who can light up the field in their respective countries’ quest to win the coveted trophy.

Phil Foden

Position: Attacking midfielder
Age: 22
Country: England

England are not Manchester City. But two-thirds of the City forward line when they beat their city rivals Manchester United 6-3 were English — Foden on the right with Jack Grealish on the left. Though prolific forward Erling Haaland is Norwegian, in Harry Kane, England have a world-class centre-forward, too. Foden is a generational talent. Coach Pep Guardiola picked up on that soon after arriving at City and he has carefully nurtured Foden. England, too, have always promoted Foden.

Cover of the October 2022 issue of The Teenager Today featuring young stars of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

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