Doha: The spirit of the first World Cup grabs Qatar in its entirety. In two months, the whole football fandom would look at Qatar as the host of the FIFA World Cup. Qatar realizing that the World Cup is the best chance to rewrite narratives has not left a stone unturned before the magical event. The FIFA World Cup 2022 Stadiums are a testament to the above-said stadiums.
Five Cities, Eight Stadiums. The FIFA World Cup 2022 Stadiums stands out for their uniqueness and lovely atmosphere. Dominating the pink sunsets and the grainy dunes, The World Cup is here to mesmerize. Swipe down to know more about the wonderfully magical stadiums.
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Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Popularly known as Al Rayyan Stadium, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium is home to the infamous Qatari club Al Rayyan. The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium is named for the namesake who ruled the nation from 1962 to 1971. Originally built in 2003, It was demolished in 2015 to make way for the World Cup.
The new stadium started construction in 2016. Larsen & Toubro and Al-Balagh are jointly responsible for the construction which was completed in 2018. The stadium was inaugurated on 18 December 2020, Qatar National Day. Ahmad bin Ali Stadium currently holds a capacity of 44,740 people. The Al-Rayyan Stadium hosts seven matches during the FIFA World Cup 2022. In addition to six group-stage fixtures, Al Rayyan will also host one r16 match.
Al Bayt Stadium
The Al-Bayt Stadium, located in AL-Khor is a retractable roof stadium. The stadium draws inspiration from the traditional tents used by Qatari nomads. Al-Bayt stands unique due to its sustainability, efficient design, and energy conservation. Additionally, the architecture is commendable beyond words.
Cimoli and Webuild SpA construct the Al-Bayt Stadium. They broke ground in 2014. The construction took a handful number of years before its inauguration 2021 at the FIFA Arab Cup 2021. The opening match at the stadium resulted in Qatar securing a near win against rivals Bahrain. During the World Cup 2022, The stadium, capacitates 60000, hosts a total of nine matches including the inaugural match on 20th November 2022. AL-Bayt host six group stage matches, one each of Round of 16, Quarter Final, and Semi-Final.
Al Janoub Stadium
Inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats, used by pearl divers from the region, weaving through currents of the Persian Gulf. Al-Janoub Stadium is yet another retractable roof stadium with a holding capacity of 40,000.
The infamous architect Zaha Hadid is the brain behind the AL-Janoub Stadium aka Al Wakrah Stadium. The construction for this stadium began in 2014 like the others and ended in 2019. The inaugural match took place between two eminent clubs of Qatar in the 2019 AMir Cup Final. Since then, the stadium has hosted many competitions including the 2021 FIFA Arabian Cup, and AFC Champions League. The stadium will host seven matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, six group stage matches, and also a Round of 16 games.
Al Thumama Stadium
The AL-Thumama Stadium is one of the smallest stadiums in the 2022 World Cup as per capacity. The traditional Muslim skull-cap taqiyah is the inspiration behind the Al Thumama Stadium.
The stadium is located in the Doha region. The Turkish side Tefken and the Qatari Al Jaber Engineering handled the construction. The stadium inauguration took place on 22nd October 2021 at the Emir Cup. The Al Thumama Stadium will host eight matches ta the upcoming World Cup. The stadium hosts six group stage matches and one Round of 16 and a Quarter Final match at the prestigious footballing event.
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Education City Stadium
Located within the Qatar Foundation’s Education City, The Education City Stadium is one of the most sustainable stadiums in the world. The Education City Stadium has a holding capacity of 45,340. Post the 2022 World Cup, there will be a removal of half the seats.
The facade is made of a tessellating triangular pattern inspired by Arabic architecture and is intended to deflect the country’s harsh sunlight. The facade can be illuminated at night. The Education City nicknamed the Diamond in the Desert became the third stadium at the Qatar World Cup 2022. It hosted the finals of the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup and much more competitions. The stadium will host eight matches at the World Cup 2022. On a total of eight matches, six matches will take place at the Education City Stadium. In addition to the group stage matches, the Education City will host one Pre-Quarter Finals and one-Quarter Final.
Khalifa International Stadium
The Khalifa International Stadium is part of the historic National Sports Complex which houses a sports academy, aquatic center, and a 300ft skyscraper. The stadium is named after Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1972 to 1995.
The Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) awarded a four-star rating to the stadium in 2017, the first in the world. The Khalifa International Stadium has a seating capacity of 45,416. It will host eight matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The stadium hosts the loser’s play-off and also one R16 Match. In addition to them, six group-stage matches will also take place at the stadium.
Also read: FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: Teams, Groups, Schedule, Fixtures, Format, Tickets and more
Lusail Iconic Stadium
The Lusail Iconic Stadium is the biggest stadium according to seating capability. In addition to all its unique and outstanding qualities in terms of energy, sustainability, and associated features, Lusail is a modern architectural marvel.
The Lusail Stadium located 23 kilometers from Doha is built by HBK Contracting and CRCC. The Stadium is designed by the British firm Foster + Partners alongside Populous. The stadium has a seating capacity of 80,000. Like the others, the Lusail would be reconfigured into a 40,000-seater after the World Cup. The stadium will host ten matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In addition to six group stage fixtures, Lusail hosts a Round of 16, QF, SF, and the final showdown.
Stadium 924
“Absolutely Unique” – One Word to describe it. The Stadium 924 is a celebration of being different and standing out as an example. Among the eight FIFA World Cup 2022 Stadiums, it is not shocking Stadium 924 is the most awaited one.
Stadium 974 is built using 974 recycled shipping containers. Conceptualized by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, Stadium 974 is the first temporary venue in FIFA World Cup History since it is dismantled after WC. Interestingly, 974 is the calling code for Qatar.
The Stadium will host even matches during the Qatar World Cup. In addition to the six group fixtures, one pre-Quarter will also take place at the location. The stadium will be dismantled after the World Cup and there are plans for the same to be transported to Maldonado and constructed for 2030.
