Social capital building through mega-sporting events: Did the Qatar 2022 World Cup foster bonding, bridging, and linking social capital?

This study evaluates the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup's impact on fostering bonding, bridging, and linking social capital within the host community and internationally. Surveying 403 respondents from 59 countries one year after the event, the research found that all three forms of social capital significantly exceeded baseline levels, with Qatar residents showing higher bridging and linking social capital than non-residents. Among nationality groups, Arab respondents exhibited the highest linking social capital, followed by non-Arab Muslims and others. The findings suggest that residing in the host community and benefiting from the event enhances perceptions of social capital, highlighting the potential of mega-sporting events to promote social cohesion and trust across diverse populations. However, the study notes limitations related to sample representativeness and calls for further research, especially among marginalized groups, to assess long-term social legacies.