The 2022 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, with fans from all over the world flocking to Qatar to see their favourite stars light up the stadiums and compete for the coveted title.
Since Qatar was awarded the tournament’s hosting rights in 2010, the country has faced criticism from the football community due to a lack of infrastructure. After 12 years, the Qatari authorities have ensured the construction and renovation of eight state-of-the-art stadiums for the FIFA World Cup.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the stadiums that will host the mega-event:
Al Bayt Stadium
On November 20, the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor city will host the tournament’s opening game between Qatar and Ecuador. The stadium, which has a capacity of 60,000 people, is designed in the shape of a tent.
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The stadium will host nine matches in total, including six in group stages and one each in the round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
The Ahmad Bin Ali stadium, located in Doha’s Umm Al Afaei district, has a seating capacity of 40,740 people. The spectacular new stadium will host seven matches in total, six group games and one round of 16 match.
The stadium’s first match will be between Wales and the United States on November 21, followed by a blockbuster match between Croatia and Belgium on December 1.
Al Janoub Stadium
The traditional Qatari boat design inspired the Al Janoub stadium in Al Wakrah city. The stadium, which has a capacity of 40,000 people, was built in 2019.
The stadium will host seven matches in total, including six group games and one round of 16 match. The first match at the stadium will be played on November 22 between France and Australia, followed by the round of 16 match on December 5 at the same venue.
Al Thumama Stadium
The Al Thumama stadium in Al Thumama city will host seven FIFA World Cup matches in 2022. The stadium will host the first match, Senegal vs. Netherlands, on November 21, as well as one round of 16 game and one quarter-final. The stadium will host a total of eight matches.
The stadium, which has a capacity of 40,000 people, is inspired by the traditional taqiyah hat, which is popular in the Middle East.
Education City Stadium
Education City Stadium, located in Al Rayyan city, has a seating capacity of 45,350 people. Because of its distinctive architecture, the stadium has been dubbed “Diamond in the Desert.”
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The stadium will host eight matches in total, including six group games, one Round of 16 match, and one quarter-final. Denmark and Tunisia will play the first match at the stadium on November 22.
Khalifa International Stadium
The Khalifa International Stadium has a seating capacity of 45,416 and is located in Qatar’s capital, Doha. The stadium will host a total of eight matches, including six group matches, one round of 16 match, and the third-place play-off.
The first match at the stadium will be between England and Iran on November 21, followed by the third-place play-off on December 17.
Stadium 974
Stadium 974 is a one-of-a-kind stadium in Doha’s Ras Abu Aboud district. The stadium is a temporary structure made of shipping containers that will be dismantled after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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The stadium has a capacity of 40,000 people and will host seven matches in total, including six group games and one round of 16 match. On November 22, Mexico will play Poland in the stadium’s inaugural match.
Lusail Stadium
The Lusail Stadium in Lusail City is the largest stadium in the country, with a capacity of 80,000 spectators. Lusail Stadium will host up to ten matches, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals and final.
The first match at the stadium will take place on November 22 between Argentina and Saudi Arabia, and the final match will take place on December 18 at the same venue.
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