With the passing of mantle from Russia to Qatar, World Cup fans will surely want to know more about Qatar and what the country has to offer to its guests. Aside from the culture and the climate, guests would surely want to see where the games will be held.
Construction for some of the stadiums is ongoing. World renowned architects were tapped to come up with the stadiums’ unique designs. While these stadiums all reflect Qatari culture, the venues will also provide access and comfort to the guests; are sustainable; and will leave a lasting legacy to the people.
See Where the 2022 FIFA World Cup Matches Will be Held
A total of eight stadiums are being built for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup. These venues are located outside Doha, but are accessible by car and train. Each of these structures has advanced cooling systems, and is easily accessible even for people with disabilities.
Al Bayt Stadium
Image Credit: Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy
This is located in Al Khor, and has a capacity of 60,000. It can host matches until the semi-finals. The name “Al Bayt” comes from bayt al sha’ar – which are tents used by the nomadic people in Qatar and other Gulf region. And indeed, this stadium is covered by a huge tent structure. The design is a nod to Qatar’s past, and also honours the present Qatar.
Al Rayyan Stadium
Image Credit: Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy
This stadium will sit on the site of Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, and it can accommodate up to 40,000 fans. The Al Rayyan Stadium can host matches until the quarter-final stage. The stadium’s facade includes symbols reflecting Qatari culture, while the surrounding facilities show sand dune-shaped structures.
At the end of the World Cup, the Al Rayyan Stadium’s modular seats will be removed, and will then be given to football development projects in other countries.
Al Thumama Stadium
Image Credit: Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy
This stadium has a 40,000 seating capacity, and is envisioned to host matches until the quarter finals. The design represents the gahfiya – which is the traditional woven cap worn by Arab males. It is a fundamental part of a male’s traditional clothing. This design has also won the MIPIM/Architectural Review Future Project Award.
After the event, the stadium’s size will be reduced, which will be appropriate for local use. The other part will be donated to other nations. Post-World Cup, the Aspetar Sports Clinic and a boutique hotel will be built in Al Thumama Stadium.
Al Wakrah Stadium
Image Credit: Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy
This stadium has a 40,000 capacity, and is envisioned to host matches until the quarter finals. The stadium’s design is inspired by the sails of a dhow boat, which are common in Al Wakrah. The stadium is located near the waterfont, a souq and a museum, and fans can visit these nearby places after watching a match.
The Al Wakrah Stadium’s capacity will be reduced to 20,000 after the World Cup. The stadium will then be the new home of the Al Wakrah Sports Club. The excess part of the stadium will be donated to football development projects abroad.
Education City Stadium
Image Credit: Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy
This stadium has a 40,000 capacity and is expected to host matches until the quarter final stage. It has an ultra modern curve design. Leading universities can be found around this stadium. Fans can get to this arena by road or through Doha Metro.
After the World Cup, the seating capacity will be reduced to half. The excess part of the stadium will be donated to other developing countries with football program. Students, faculty and staff of Qatar Foundation can also use the facilities. The Qatar women’s national football team are also expected to make the Education City their home.
Khalifa International Stadium
This is located in Al Rayyan and has a capacity of 40,000. It can host matches up to the quarter finals. Unlike other stadiums, Khalifa International Stadium is already built and it is the most historic among all the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It has hosted events like the Asian Games, Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup.
It was redesigned and reopened to the public in 2017. It now has ultra-modern shape and dual arches. In the stadium’s exterior are seating areas with canopy. A walkway connect the stadium to the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.
Lusail Stadium
Image Credit: Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy
This stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Several tournament matches will also be held here, as well as the World Cup final. Lusail Stadium is accessible by Doha Metro or the Lusail Light Rail Transit System.
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
Image Credit: Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy
This stadium has a 40,000 seating capacity. It will be the venue for matches until the quarter finals. It is touted as a pioneer in stadium development and mega sporting events because it can be dismantled after the event. The materials used are shipping containers, removable seats and other modular ‘building blocks.’
After the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the whole venue will be dismantled and the parts will be repurposed for use in other sporting and non-sporting projects. The stadium’s location will become a waterfront development.