FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivers a speech after the opening ceremony before the Group A match between Qatar and Ecuador at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, on Nov. 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the FIFA World Cup group stage as the best ever following record-breaking attendances and television audiences. 

Infantino commended the quality of soccer displayed by the 32 teams and underlined the passion of fans inside the stadium and at the FIFA Fan Festivals.

"I have seen all the matches, indeed, and put very simply and very clearly, this has been the best group stage of a FIFA World Cup ever. So, it's very promising for the remainder of the [tournament]," he said.

"The matches have been of great, great quality in beautiful stadiums - we knew that already. However, as well, the public who was there was incredible. Over 51,000 on average."

Infantino added: "Record-breaking figures on TV - we've already had over 2 billion viewers, which is really incredible. Two-and-a-half million people in the streets of Doha and a few hundred thousand every day in the stadiums, all together, cheering together, supporting their teams, fantastic atmosphere, great goals, incredible excitement and surprises."

A cornerstone of Infantino's long-term plan has been to work with member associations and confederations to raise global competitiveness.

Xinhua