Each a design masterpiece in itself, we take you on a tour of the eight stadiums that will host some of the iconic matches in the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Tournament Capacity: 40,000
Legacy Capacity: 20,000
Distance from Doha: 22 km
Inauguration: The stadium was inaugurated on 18 December 2020 when it hosted the 2020 Amir Cup Final.
Spotlight: The stadium will host matches up to and including the round of 16 stage during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Legacy: Home of Al Rayyan Sports Club.
Design: The stadium’s most striking feature is a glowing façade, comprised of patterns that characterise different aspects of the country: the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, the native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. A fifth shape, a shield, brings together all the others, representing the strength and unity that is particularly relevant to the city of Al Rayyan.
How to get there: Fans will be able to reach the venue using the Doha Metro. Al Riffa station, on the Green Line, is within walking distance of the stadium.
Al Bayt Stadium
Tournament Capacity: 60,000
Legacy Capacity: 32,000
Distance from Doha: 46 km
Inauguration: The stadium was inaugurated on 30th November 2021 during the opening day of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021
Spotlight: The stadium will host the opening match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, along with numerous other matches up to and including the semi-finals stage.
Design: The stadium takes its name from ‘bayt al sha’ar’ – which were tents historically used by nomadic people in Qatar and the Gulf region. The design honours Qatar’s past and present, while keeping one eye on the future of the community.
Al Janoub Stadium
Tournament Capacity: 40,000
Legacy Capacity: 20,000
Distance from Doha: 23 km
Inauguration: The stadium was inaugurated on 16 May 2019 when it hosted the 2019 Amir Cup Final.
Spotlight: The stadium will host matches up to and including the round of 16 stage during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Legacy: Home of Al Wakrah Sports Club.
Design: The design is inspired by the sails of traditional dhow boats, in tribute to Al Wakrah’s seafaring past. An innovative cooling system and retractable roof mean the stadium will be used all year round.
How to get there: Al Janoub Stadium is served by a network of new expressways and roads which provide easy access to residents and visitors to both Al Wakrah and Doha. The stadium will be served by Al Wakrah station on the Red Line of the Doha Metro. The station is located 4.5 km from the stadium and will be served by shuttle bus services on match days. The precinct has dedicated bus stops, interconnected cycling paths and safe pedestrian routes.
Al Thumama Stadium
Tournament Capacity: 40,000
Legacy Capacity: 20,000
Distance from Doha: 12 km
Inauguration: Al Thumama Stadium was inaugurated on 22nd October 2021 when it hosted the Amir Cup Final between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan.
Spotlight: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ quarter-finals venue
Design: The stadium’s design represents the gahiya – a traditional woven cap worn by men and boys across the Middle East. The gahiya forms a fundamental layer of the traditional clothing of the region. It is also a symbol of dignity and independence.
How to get there: Fans will be able to reach the venue using the Doha Metro and shuttle buses from the nearest station.
Education City Stadium
Tournament Capacity: 40,000
Legacy Capacity: 20,000
Distance from Doha: 12 km
Inauguration: The stadium was inaugurated in June 2020 during a virtual event that paid tribute to frontline healthcare workers
during the coronavirus pandemic.
Spotlight: The stadium will host matches up to and including the quarter-finals stage during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Design: The façade of the stadium features triangles that form complex, diamond-like geometrical patterns which appear to change colour with the sun’s movement across the sky. Like diamonds, the stadium’s design represents quality, durability and resilience – and will become something to be treasured, both for the memories it holds and its future value to the country.
How to get there: Fans will be able to reach the venue using the Doha Metro Green Line. Education City Station is located just 500 metres from the stadium.
Khalifa International Stadium
Tournament Capacity: 40,000
Distance from Doha: 11 km
Inauguration: Built in 1976, Khalifa International Stadium underwent an extensive redevelopment in order to prepare it for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Spotlight: The stadium will host matches up to and including the 3rd place match during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Legacy: Qatar’s national stadium
Design: The stadium’s dual arches remained intact following the redevelopment and have now been complemented by a wide canopy below which supports the stadium’s integration of the new cooling system. The new tier added 10,450 seats to the capacity, while the stadium now features a new facade. The new LED lighting system adds a new dimension to the fan experience.
How to get there: The stadium is served by Sport City Station on the Doha Metro Gold Line.
Lusail Stadium
Tournament Capacity: 80,000
Distance from Doha: 20 km
Spotlight: Qatar’s biggest tournament venue will host the final, along with matches during every stage of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Design: The stadium’s design is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow that characterises the ‘fanar’ lantern. Lusail’s shape and facade echo the intricate decorative motifs on bowls and other vessels characteristic of the golden age of art and craftsmanship in the Arab and Islamic world.
How to get there: The stadium will be served by the Doha Metro Red Line. Drivers will be able to access the stadium by using the Al Khor Expressway. There will be a number of park-and-ride facilities in close proximity to the stadium. Post-2022, people will be able to reach the facility by using the Lusail Light Rail Tram
Stadium 974
Tournament Capacity: 40,000
Distance from Doha: 4 km
Inauguration: The stadium was unveiled during a digital launch in November 2021 and hosted its first match during the opening day of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™ when the United Arab Emirates played Syria on 30th November 2021.
Design: The only waterfront venue with a spectacular view of the Doha skyline, the stadium was constructed using standard
certified shipping containers and modular steel elements, echoing the nearby port and the industrial history of the plot. The result is a distinctive, boldly colourful and thoroughly modern arena. The concept of the stadium was designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects. The stadium’s clever modular design meant that fewer normal building materials were required than in traditional stadium development, which helped keep construction costs down.
How to get there: Fans can access the venue by using the Doha Metro. Ras Bu Abboud Station (Gold Line) is located 800m away from the stadium. It is also in close proximity to the Doha Corniche and can be reached through the newly-developed pedestrian walkways.
