WORLD CUP 2022
What is the official logo for the 2022 Qatar World Cup and who designed it?
The official emblem for the 2022 FIFA World Cup was unveiled three years ago around the globe, and now is almost time for the action to begin.
With just days to go before the biggest international sporting event gets underway, we look back on the unveiling of the official logo of the 2022 World Cup. As you’ll be more than aware of, we are breaking from tradition this year, also breaking from several of the promises made, as Qatar hosts the competition in the final months of the calendar.
What is the 2022 World Cup logo?
The official logo for the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup was revealed in September 2019, unveiled for the first time in the Qatari capital of Doha before being beamed onto the country’s key landmarks including the Burj Doha, Katara Cultural Village Amphitheatre, the Ministry of Interior, Souq Waqif and Msheireb along with Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Its creation follows the practice which began with the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as an abstract interpretation of the famous trophy, and here uses a traditional Arabic woolen shawl with a swooping curvature, depicting desert dunes.
A number of major cities including New York, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Santiago, Mexico City, Johannesburg, London, Paris, Berlin along with Milan, Moscow, Mumbai and Seoul also celebrated the unveiling of the 2022 logo with images of the emblem beamed onto iconic locations and outdoor billboards in prominent public spaces. In Spain, the logo was displayed on the iconic Cines Callao building in Plaza de Callao, a square in the heart of the Spanish capital.
What does the 2022 World Cup logo mean?
The new typeface created to accompany the emblem evokes traditional Arabic calligraphy in a new, contemporary font, taking inspiration from the region and Asia, and fusing tradition with a modern feel.
Besides echoing the shape of the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, the emblem’s central form takes inspiration from a traditional woollen shawl. During winter months, shawls are worn around the world and in the Arab and Gulf region in particular. The regionally inspired winter garment also alludes to the tournament’s start dates and the fact that it will be the first FIFA World Cup to be played in November and December.
The emblem also draws attention to the symbol meaning infinity which is said to represent the “interconnected nature” of the event. The similarity with the number eight links nicely too with the number of stadiums being used.
Who designed the 2022 World Cup logo?
The emblem was designed by Unlock, a studio based in Lisbon, Portugal.
Who or what is the 2022 World Cup mascot?
As well as a new logo for the big event, Qatar also has a new mascot for us to play with. Going by the name of La’eeb, this ghostly looking character was unveiled in April this year during the group stage draw, and will be adorning many an item of merchandise before, during and after the competition.
La’eeb is described as a floating ghutrah (square headcloth) with an agal (traditional headband) and he is always with his little ball. His name comes from the Arabic term that means ‘extremely-skilled player.’