Qatar is a small nation in the Middle East that is the controversial venue for the 2022 World Cup because of the country’s dismal human rights record. For many countries, the bid to host the World Cup is about projecting influence, creating opportunities for their citizens, and improving infrastructure; however, Qatar’s focus is security. The country lacks the hard power needed to defend itself, and they found that soccer can provide them with the soft power they need for national security. The significant controversy surrounding Qatar hosting the games is due to the country’s mistreatment and lack of accountability thereof of foreign workers. 

Qatar claims the event is a catalyst for improving labor laws and an opportunity to make a bigger impact on the world. As Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), says, “This tournament is an opportunity for building bridges. An opportunity for the outside world to know who we are.” However, according to the Guardian, the concerns are justified because of Qatar’s mistreatment of more than a million poor migrant workers, particularly from South Asia and Africa. The workers are building the stadiums for the tournament as well as other World Cup related infrastructure; a Guardian investigation estimates around 6,500 deaths during this process. Their deaths have not been investigated by Qatari officials, which is a clear violation of human rights. 

In addition to labor rights issues, Qatar operates with a male guardianship system, a set of practices and rules that make many women’s personal decisions contingent on approval from a male family member. The Human Rights Watch, in March 2021, requested Qatar to remove this system. While homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, nations’ officials have stated that the display of LGBTQI+ banners and symbols will not be banned during the World Cup. 

Qatar should investigate the migrant’s deaths and work to establish better labor rights to ensure no more catastrophes happen. Additionally, it is crucial that Qatar works to improve other human rights conditions in their country.