Chinese companies are providing more sponsorship revenue, than enterprises from any other country at the 2022 World Cup, with $1.4 billion compared with $1.1 billion from US firms.

SEOUL – An array of products made in China, from stadiums and souvenirs to new energy vehicles was unveiled on the global stage, with the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicking off on Sunday in Qatar, marking another year of Chinese brands marching massively in the feast of football competition.

Chinese Ambassador to Qatar Zhou Jian highlighted China’s contribution to the Qatar World Cup. “Chinese elements are extremely prominent,” he said, “The Lusail Stadium has become an iconic landmark in the World Cup. From infrastructure to telecommunications, from 1,500 new energy buses to solar power plants, from match supplies to souvenirs, ‘made in China’ can be found everywhere in Qatar.”

Lusail Stadium, constructed in cooperation by Qatar and the China Railway Construction Corp, is the main venue of this year’s World Cup, where 10 matches will be hosted, including the final on Dec 18.

The host nation spent over $200 billion over 12 years building roads, hotels, stadiums and soccer facilities. Shaped like a date palm bowl and an enamel lantern, the gleaming Lusail Stadium with its 80,000 capacity, is one of eight lavish stadiums.

It is the first time a Chinese company has built a World Cup venue, and the Lusail Stadium is featured on the new 10-riyal ($2.75) banknote of Qatar.

Chinese major phone maker Vivo is the official smartphone of the 2022 World Cup, as well as the only mobile device that is an event sponsor.