Less than a month to go for the much awaited FIFA World Cup 2022 to be hosted in the Middle East for the first time in history, and the excitement is just building day by day.
A total of eight stadiums spread across five different cities in Qatar will host 32 teams in 64 matches during the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Let’s have a look at the FIFA World Cup 2022 Stadiums in Qatar.
1. Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail (80,000 capacity)
Lusail Stadium is located in Lusail City, situated 15km north of central Doha. Lusail Stadium is not only the largest stadium in Qatar – and one of the biggest in the Arab world. The stadium is set to host the FIFA Qatar 2022 final on December 18, as well as the first semi-final, amongst other matches.
The venue’s design pays homage to the fanar lantern and traditional hand-crafted bowls and vessels used throughout the Middle East for centuries.
Nearest metro station: Lusail QNB Metro Station (red line), which is a five-minute walk from the stadium.
Matches:
The Lusail stadium will host 10 matches:
5x Group Matches
1x Round of 16
1x Quarter-Final
1x Semi-Final
Final
2. Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor (60,000 capacity)
Al Bayt stadium is the venue for the opening game between Qatar and Ecuador on November 20, the group-stage showdown between Spain and Germany, and the second semi-final.
This 60,000-capacity venue is located in the northern city of Al Khor, around 35km from Doha. The stadium is modelled on bayt al sha’ar – tents historically used by nomadic people in Qatar and the Gulf region.
Nearest metro station: Lusail Metro Station (red line). A shuttle bus will run between the station and Al Bayt Stadium, and should take around 25 minutes.
Matches:
The Al Bayt Stadium is set to host nine matches:
5x Group Matches (incl. Opening Match)
1x Round of 16
1x Quarter-Final
1x Semi-Final
3. Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah (40,000 capacity)
The stadium is located in Al Wakrah, 22km south of central Doha.
As one of the most iconic stadiums of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Al Janoub Stadium was designed by the late Zaha Hadid, which was inspired by the traditional dhow boats used for pearl diving and fishing. The stadium also uses an innovative cooling system, with under-seat ventilators to keep spectator areas at a cool 18C.
Nearest metro station: Al Wakrah Metro Station (red line). A shuttle bus will run between the station and the stadium, and should take around 15 minutes.
Matches:
5x Group Matches
1x Round of 16
4. Al Thumama Stadium, Doha (40,000 capacity)
As another stadium representing Qatari culture, Al Thumama Stadium resembles a gahfiya, a traditional woven cap worn by men throughout the Middle East.
The stadium is situated 12km to the south of central Doha, close to the city’s Hamad International Airport. It will host one of the quarter-finals.
Nearest metro station: Free Zone Metro Station (red line). A shuttle bus will run between the station and the stadium, and should take around 15 minutes.
Matches:
Al Thumama Stadium will host eight matches:
5x Group Matches
1x Round of 16
1x Quarter-Final
5. Stadium 974, Doha (40,000 capacity)
Stadium 974 is the first ever fully demountable tournament venue in World Cup history, made entirely from shipping containers – 974 of them in all. The number 974 is the international dialing code for Qatar. The pop-up stadium will be completely dismantled after the World Cup.
The stadium is located in Ras Abu Aboud, 10km east of central Doha.
Nearest metro station: Ras Bu Abboud Metro Station (gold line), which is a 20-minute walk from the stadium.
Matches:
5x Group Matches
1x Round of 16
6. Khalifa International Stadium, Doha (40,000 capacity)
Built in 1976, Khalifa International Stadium is the only venue which already existed before Qatar was awarded the World Cup, although it has undergone extensive renovations in preparation for 2022. The stadium hosted the 2011 Asian Cup final, held in Qatar.
Located in Aspire, 5km west of central Doha, the stadium’s magnificent dual arches were always its most recognisable features.
Nearest metro station: Sports City Metro Station (gold line), which is a five-minute walk from Khalifa International Stadium.
Matches:
5x Group Matches
1x Round of 16
Match for Third Place
7. Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan (40,000 capacity)
Located among university campuses in Al Rayyan, 13km north-west of central Doha, the stadium will notably host one of the quarter-finals.
The stadium’s ultra-modern design blends seamlessly with traditional Islamic architecture. The façade is made up of diamond-like geometric patterns, and is meant to represent quality, durability and resilience.
As well as hosting matches during Qatar 2022, the stadium will provide sporting facilities for the entire QF community, including faculty and students. The stadium achieved a 5* rating under the Global Sustainability Assessment System for its design and build.
Nearest metro station: Education City Metro Stadium (green line), which is a five-minute walk from the station.
Matches:
Education City Stadium will host eight matches, up to the quarter finals.
5x Group Matches
1x Round of 16
1x Quarter-Final
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8. Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan (40,000 capacity)
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan is located in one of Qatar’s most historic cities – Al Rayyan. The venue’s unique façade is nestled around seating designed in a way that allows fans to feel closer than ever to the action on the pitch. The design symbolizes different aspects of the culture, including native flora and fauna, the beauty of the desert, and the importance of family.
The stadium is located next to the Mall of Qatar, and is one metro stop beyond the nearby Education City.
Location: Umm Al Afaei, 20km west of central Doha.
Nearest metro station: Al Riffa-Mall of Qatar (green line), which is a five-minute walk from the station.
Matches:
The stadium will host seven matches up until the round of 16.
5x Group Matches
1x Round of 16
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