From The Economist.

Qatar is about to host the most expensive World Cup ever, costing as much as $300bn. Why has this small, gas-rich kingdom chosen to host football’s most prestigious event, and how does it fit into its broader plans for economic transformation?

00:00 – Why is Qatar hosting the World Cup?
00:57 – World Cups are expensive competitions
01:56 – Qatar’s human rights violations
02:36 – Qatar’s place in the Gulf
04:43 – Qatar distinguishes itself from its neighbours
05:50 – Qatar bids to host the World Cup
07:18 – Qatar’s neighbours issue a blockade
10:12 – What might happen after the World Cup?

Read our defence of Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup: https://econ.st/3XcOC5A

Sign up to The Economist’s daily newsletter: https://econ.st/3QAawvI

Read more of our coverage on the Middle East & Africa: https://econ.st/3Xf0nsb

Is Qatar ready to host the World Cup?: https://econ.st/3UMnJDT

Should fans enjoy the World Cup?: https://econ.st/3hSE1gf

Qatar hosting the World Cup shows how football has changed: https://econ.st/3V5KO4n

India’s hospitality workers head to the World Cup: https://econ.st/3tDZHiC

Qatar’s neighbours hope for a hospitality boom: https://econ.st/3gfOSAa