Explore Qatar’s 2022 FIFA world cup stadiums
The football fever is back and slowly gripping the football crazy fans worldwide. After years of preparation, the FIFA World Cup 2022, one of this year’s most awaited football events, is finally closer to its inauguration. The quadrennial international men’s football tournament will be held in Qatar, for the first time in an Arab country, from 21st November 2022-18th December 2022.
Since FIFA announced that Qatar would host FIFA 2022, the gulf nation has revealed eight exotic world cup stadiums where preparations are in full swing. These Qatar World Cup stadiums are not only architectural prodigies but also represent the rich Qatari culture.
All eight FIFA stadiums Qatar are centrally located and situated within a 21-mile radius of central Doha. They are well-connected by public transport systems, and a football fan can easily watch more than one game on the same day.
Here is a quick look at the eight outlandish stadiums in Qatar where the upcoming FIFA football matches will be held.
Khalifa International Stadium
The Khalifa International Stadium is the shining image of lavish sporting in Qatar. It is Qatar’s oldest stadium, which was built in 1976. But it was refurbished in 2017 to adjust more spectators for the FIFA world cup.
The new structure comes up with an addition of a single roof to shelter the seating areas, along with a new east wing structure that will host food courts, shops, multi-purpose rooms, VIP lounges, a museum, and a health center.
As known as the National Stadium, this stadium has a capacity of 45,416. It is a multi-purpose stadium which includes sports like football, track and field events and has been a host to the Asian games, the AFC Asian Cup and many friendlies in football.
The football matches that will be here are,
- 5x Group Matches
- 1x Round of 16
- Match for Third Place
AL Janoub Stadium
This stadium is located in AL Wakrah and was opened on 16th May 2019, just before the Amir Cup final. The stadium’s design is inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats (used by pearl divers). The curved roof and exterior imply AL Wakrah’s history of seafaring. British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid designs the 40,000-seater stadium.
Once the world cup is over, the stadium’s capacity will be reduced to 20,000 attendees, whereas the remaining 20,000 seats will be donated to overseas football development projects.
The matches that will be held here are,
- 5x Group Matches
- 1x Round of 16
Education City Stadium
Located in Al Rayyan, Qatar, this 40,000-seater Education City Stadium is surrounded by many education organizations and facilities. Due to its specific location, the stadium’s structure is designed wisely, focusing on accessibility.
The design was revealed in 2014 and was open to the public in 2020. The frontage features triangular patterns (a reinvention of conventional arabesque patterns) that change color during the day as per the sun’s movement across the sky.
Nearly 20 % of its building materials are green; thus, the stadium is considered one of the world’s most environmentally sustainable playgrounds. In May 2019, it even received a five-star GSAS (Global Sustainability Assessment System) rating.
The matches that will be held here are,
- 5x Group Matches
- 1x Round of 16
- 1x Quarter-Final
Stadium 974
Stadium 974 is the latest entrant on the list of stadiums in Qatar. This modular stadium is built from shipping containers and special steel. Inspired by Qatar’s international trade and maritime culture, this stadium is located near Doha’s bustling port.
Interestingly, 974 is Qatar’s international dialling code and the number of containers used here. Since it is mainly made up of containers, the 40,000-capacity stadium will be completely dismantled after the completion of the World Cup. It will be used as a waterfront development for the local community.
Stadium 974 is naturally ventilated and will not need the Advanced Cooling Tech. This stadium was officially uncovered with a special digital event on 20th November 2021. The stadium organized its first match on 30th November 2021 (the opening day of the FIFA Arab Cup).
The upcoming FIFA matches in this stadium are,
- 5x Group Matches
- 1x Round of 16
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
This football stadium is located in Qatar’s Al Rayyan city and is the home ground of Qatar’s famous football team, “Al Rayyan SC”. The stadium was built in 2003 but went for complete renovation for the 2022 World Cup in 2016. After restoration, the stadium was launched on Qatar’s National Day.
This stadium exhibits all essential aspects of Qatari culture and traditions. The designs of the stadium symbolize various parts of the country, such as the importance of family, the serenity of the desert, the native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. 40,000 fans will be protected via a lightweight canopy and advanced cooling systems without compromising the comfort during matches.
The matches that will be played here are,
- 5x Group Matches
- 1x Round of 16
Al Bayt Stadium
Inspired by traditional nomadic culture, this 60,000-capacity stadium is gearing up to host the opening match of FIFA 2022. This magnificent stadium is located in Al Khor (50 km away from the capital city of Doha). The awe-inspiring Al Bayt Stadium was launched when Qatar faced Bahrain in their opening match of the refurbished Arab Cup.
The initial design of the stadium was disclosed in 2014, and it was finally inaugurated in early 2020. The stadium’s design truly portrays Qatar’s past and present culture. Like nomad tents, the upper tier of the modular design seating is portable and will be removed after the world cup.
The World Cup matches that will be played here are,
- 5x Group Matches (incl. Opening Match)
- 1x Round of 16
- 1x Quarter-Final
- 1x Semi-Final
Lusail Iconic Stadium
The Lusail Iconic Stadium is located in the northern part of Doha. It is the largest stadium among all eight stadiums, holding 80,000 people. This is the ground where the grand final will be held. The stadium was inaugurated end of 2021.
The enthralling design of the stadium is inspired by the interchange of light and shadow seen in the Fanar lantern. The structural form and fascia display the intricate motifs of art and furniture pieces found across the Arab and Islamic world during early civilizations.
Once the world cup is over, the stadium will be converted into a multi-purpose community hub with schools, shops, cafés, sporting facilities, and health clinics.
The world cup matches that will be held here are,
- 5x Group Matches
- 1x Round of 16
- 1x Quarter-Final
- 1x Semi-Final
- Final
AL Thumama Stadium
This famous football stadium is located 12km from the south of Doha and was launched after the 2021 Amir Cup final. The design of the stadium resembles the “gahfiya” (a traditional hat worn by men in this region), and Qatari architect Ibrahim M Jaidah designed it.
This is another sustainable stadium in Qatar that uses recycled water to irrigate green areas. The stadium will host a bunch of world cup matches, including
- 5x Group Matches
- 1x Round of 16
- 1x Quarter-Final
These are some of the best world cup stadiums in Qatar that will host this football gala tournament.
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