Qatar is to stage the 2022 World Cup, becoming the the first ever Muslim and Arab country to host the cup. The dramatic announcement was made by FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Thursday night, after beating off bids from Japan/Korea, Australia and the USA.

Australia had been favourites, with concerns over hosting the event during the summer in Qatar. However the country has promised to build a number of air conditioned soccer stadiums.

There was also disappointment for England after the 2018 World Cup went to Russia.

Earlier, Prince William, David Beckham and UK Prime Minister David Cameron had visited Zurich to try and persuade FIFA delegates to back the English bid, and many experts believed England would win the bid.

The announcement was made by FIFA president Sepp Blatter at an official ceremony in Zurich.

You can find out more about the ambitious bid right here.

Keep checking back to www.timeoutdoha.com for more details.