The 2022 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be the 22nd running of the FIFA World Cup competition, the quadrennial international men's football championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA. It is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December 2022. This will be the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab world, and it will be the second World Cup held entirely in Asia after the 2002 tournament was held in South Korea and Japan. The 8 venues are set to be divided across the nation, with all less than an hour from the capital of Doha. For the first time in the world cup, stadiums are built with the feature of climate-controlling technology to combat the sweltering Qatari summer heat, which can easily surpass 40°C. There has been a race against time to have all 8 Qatar World Cup stadiums ready on time for this massive event and football fans across the globe have been keen to learn the details of each arena.
1. Khalifa International stadium
The only Qatar football World Cup stadium not being built from scratch, Khalifa International is the most iconic arena in the nation of Qatar and has been around since 1976. That’s practically ancient by local standards. After a massive renovation, the ground reopened in 2017 and, with a 40,000 capacity, it will host games up to the quarter-final stage. Khalifa International Stadium sits at the heart of Doha’s Aspire Zone, an area of technological development and innovation that’s set to act as a major centre for fans throughout the 2022 World Cup. the stadium’s modernity is also represented by the iconic dual arch external structure.
2. Al–Bayt stadium
Al-Bayt Stadium is situated in the city of Al-Khor and is set to be a semi-final host at the 2022 World Cup. The arena features a striking design that reflects the tents used by the Bedouin people, a nomadic group living across the Arab world for centuries. The 60,000-seater stadium will be set within a wider complex featuring various amenities such as a shopping mall, hospital and more.
3. Al–Janoub stadium
Al-Janoub stadium is a truly striking arena that's set to have a capacity of around 40,000. It was designed by the late, globally renowned architect Dame Zaha Hadid in her signature curved style. This stylish Qatar stadium was inspired by the hulls of pearl fishing boats that have long operated across the Arabian Peninsula. This is something further reflected in the use of traditional materials and even timber in the construction of the arena.
4. Education city stadium
Education City Stadium is a 40,000-seater arena that's set to host matches up to the quarter-final stage of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. It's named after its location on the campus of Qatar’s leading university. As yet unfinished, the ground has been designed in the form of a jagged diamond that will glitter by day and, quite literally, glow by night. The stadium is set to have its capacity cut by half after the tournament with more than 20,000 seats set to be donated to build stadiums in developing countries.
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5. Al–Rayyan stadium
This stadium is situated on the site of the old Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, the Al-Rayyan Stadium has a capacity of over 40,000, which allows it to host matches up to the quarter-finals stage of the Qatar World Cup.
6. Al–Thumama stadium
Located just 12 km from central Doha, the 40,000-seater Al-Thumama stadium is currently under construction. The interesting design of this arena is inspired by the ghafiya, the traditional woven cap worn by Arab males. As with many of the stadiums at the 2022 World Cup, Al-Thumama will cut its capacity in half after the tournament and donate more than 20,000 seats to help promote football and stadiums in developing nations.
7. Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
The 40,000-seater Ras Abu Aboud Stadium is a triumph of sustainability, set on the shores of the Gulf and overlooking Doha just a few kilometers away. Made from shipping containers and other repurposed materials, the stadium will be dismantled after the 2022 World Cup, with the parts being used in other building projects across the nation.
8. Lusail iconic stadium
Lusail Iconic Stadium is set to host both the opening game and the final of the 2022 World Cup. Currently, under construction, the arena will have a capacity of just over 86,000 and was designed by British architects Foster + Partners. With a structure designed to mirror the ancient Arab craft of bowl weaving, the stadium is set to provide a stunning venue for the opening and closing of the tournament. The arena is located in Lusail City, a planned city situated to the north of Doha. Amazingly, this is an entire city that’s being specially constructed for the event. By the time the World Cup rolls around, Lusail will be home to a wide range of facilities including marinas, island resorts, luxury shopping and leisure facilities, and much more.
