While the ink is only just drying on the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ chapter in football's history books, eyes are already starting to gaze forward longingly to the next edition, as we pass the four-year mark ahead of Qatar 2022.

Preparations are moving fast, as the eight proposed tournament venues gear up for the globe's footballing family to descend on the Gulf state for a month of festivities on 21 November 2022. It is a vision that has FIFA President Gianni Infantino full of anticipation. "I think that all the ingredients are there to make the World Cup in 2022 an unforgettable event," he told FIFA.com.

"It will be a very compact World Cup, all the stadiums are within a one-hour maximum distance from each other. It will be a World Cup hosted by a country, which has all the infrastructure and the possibilities ready to welcome the world to Qatar. The climate will be great as well in November/December – it’s between 15-25 degrees Celsius in Doha and this is ideal conditions for such a sporting event."

Having seen fans from across the planet descend on Russia for an incredible tournament, both on and off the pitch, President Infantino is anticipating another World Cup to remember, as cultures mix in an entirely new setting for the competition. "I’m sure the experience of anyone going to Qatar will be amazing. They will discover an amazing country, not only for the sunshine, the beaches and the sand, but also because of the football and because of the possibility to celebrate the best event ever.

"The only message I can really give to everyone in the world who loves football is come to Qatar, come to the Middle East, to the Gulf in 2022 and enjoy the best World Cup ever."