2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

Overview

2014 Brazil World Cup is the 20th international men’s football tournament organized by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) taking place in Brazil from June 12th to July 13th, 2014.

Background

On October 30th 2007, Brazil was officially chosen uncontested as host nation of 2014 FIFA World Cup after Columbia, the only other candidate nation, withdrew from the process. It is the second time that Brazil has hosted the competition, the last one being in 1950.

Qualification

The preliminary round for the 2014 World Cup began on June 15th, 2011 and concluded on November 20th, 2013, during which 203 senior men’s national teams from six confederations competed on the regional level for a place in one of the eight groups, each comprised of four qualified teams. A total of 64 matches are to be played at 12 different venues in mostly metropolitan areas across Brazil.

Preparation

According to the Brazilian government, the costs of the tournament are estimated at $14 billion USD, the highest in history of the FIFA World Cup, which covers the renovation or construction of the World Cup stadia, improving infrastructure, as well as logistical and security plans in host cities. The construction of stadia and public transportation systems in host cities ran many months behind schedule, leading to criticisms from within the FIFA organization and drawing scrutiny from the foreign press.

Protests

The World Cup preparation in Brazil was stymied by waves of protests against the government’s lavish spending on the event, in stark contrast to the dire need of funding for public infrastructure and social welfare in less developed regions. The online opposition to World Cup first erupted with the Bus Taxes Protests in São Paulo and other major cities in June 2013 and continued through the first half of 2014, reaching its peak with an explosion of anti-World Cup hashtags during and after the Confederation Cup in January.

Notable Developments

Opening Ceremony

On June 11th, 2014, the opening ceremony of 2014 World Cup commenced at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, which included a festive program in tribute to Brazil and a performance of the World Cup official song “We Are One (Ole Ola)” by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Brazilian star Claudia Leitte. The 30-minute show was followed by the opening match between Brazil and Croatia.

External References