The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is upon us, with the Middle East hosting football’s greatest tournament in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months in what is two unprecedented firsts. It’s not quite clear how the tournament is going to pan out in these never-before-seen circumstances and under severe criticism from the rest of the world, but let’s hope it can produce fantastic moments as most World Cups tend to do.
There will be just eight stadiums hosting games in Qatar — the lowest number of stadiums used for a World Cup since Argentina in 1978 — most of which are in and around Doha, with the furthest distance between two venues just 34 miles. Seven of the stadiums were built from scratch, all hosting at least 40,000 fans, and are striking to say the least.
So, without further ado, let’s take a closer inspection at the eight stadiums and find out a little more about them.
Lusail Stadium
Where better to start than with the biggest and best of the bunch? The Lusail Stadium has a capacity of 80,000 fans and will play host to the final on December 18 — and if the 2022 World Cup odds are anything to go by, it will be Brazil hoisting the title aloft for the sixth time.
Just over 12 miles from central Doha, the $767 million Lusail and its stunning design (pictured above) will also hold six group games and one fixture in each knockout round as well as the showpiece match.
Al Bayt Stadium
Moving on to the host of the opening match — hosts Qatar v Ecuador on November 18 — the design for Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor City (just over 21 miles away from Doha) was inspired by the tent used by the Bedouin (nomadic Arab tribes).
The 60,000-seater will also host five other group games, including England v USA and Spain v Germany, as well as a round of 16, quarter-final and semi-final clash.
Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium
Just over 12 miles west of central Doha, the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium can be found in the historic city of Umm Al Afaei. Another stadium that proudly displays the culture of Qatar, the 40,000-capacity ground is the home of Al Rayyan SC.
The venue will host a total of six group stage matches, most notably Wales v England and 2018 runners-up Croatia v Belgium, and just one round of 16 encounter.
Al Janoub Stadium
Another 40,000-seater stadium, the Al Janoub Stadium is around 14 miles south of central Doha and has arguably the most unique design — resembling the Dhow, a traditional sailing vessel of the region.
The venue will host six group stage fixtures, including France’s opening fixture against Australia as they attempt to defend their title, and one round of 16 match.
Al Thumama Stadium
One of the closer stadiums to Doha, coming in at just over seven miles south of the centre of the city, the Al Thumama Stadium was designed to look like the gahfiya — a traditional hat worn by men in Arab countries.
Also hosting six group games, including Qatar v African champions Senegal, the 40,000-capacity stadium has a quarter-final as well as a round of 16 matchup.
Education City Stadium
Just four miles north-west of central Doha, the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan garnered its name from the fact it lies within several of Qatar’s university campuses — and some of the venue will be of use to the university’s sports teams after the World Cup.
Like the others, Education City Stadium (40,000) will host six group games, while it will also have a round of 16 match and a quarter-final clash.
Khalifa International Stadium
The penultimate ground on our list, the Khalifa International Stadium is the oldest of Qatar’s World Cup grounds — dating back to 1976. It has been modernized by an expensive refurb, of course, meaning it certainly won’t look out of place alongside its counterparts.
Located just three miles outside of central Doha, the iconic stadium (40,000) will play host to the typical six group games — starting with England v Iran on November 21 — before also holding a round of 16 tie and the third-place play-off.
Stadium 974
A venue that was built with sustainability at the fore, Stadium 974 is made completely of shipping containers and will be completely deconstructed following the conclusion of the tournament — making it the first stadium of its kind in the world.
Roughly six miles east of Doha and, you guessed it, holding 40,000 people, Stadium 974 will host just the standard six group games and round of 16 encounter.
