When the men’s World Cup comes around every four years, Santa Barbara is usually ready for a rollicking summer party. But this year’s month-long soccer tournament, featuring 32 countries from all corners of the globe, conflicts with school and work schedules and competes with the NFL and NBA. It’s because of the fierce summer heat in Qatar, a controversial choice as the host country in more ways than one.
Because of the time difference, it will be more of a show for coffee sippers than beer drinkers, although it’s been claimed that a pint of Guinness is a nutritious breakfast. The earliest matches in the first round will start at 2 a.m.; the latest, including all three U.S.A. matches, kick off at 11 a.m.
Qatar will play the opening game against Ecuador on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 8 a.m., followed by two weeks of competition within eight groupings of four, with the top two in each group advancing to the knockout rounds. It will be a week before Christmas when the champions raise the trophy on December 18.
