The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is going to be the first time the world’s biggest football tournament is to be hosted in the Middle East. Discover the eight spectacular FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums. As fans from all around the world get excited to witness the world’s best game, Qatar prepares to welcome them with hospitality and grandeur. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will present the most compact tournaments ever played thereby offering fans to watch up to two live matches per day.
The official arrival of the World Cup Trophy in July 2021 marked the 500-day countdown for the long-awaited world event.
From world-class dining scenes, pristine beaches, impressive art and culture and diverse adventure opportunities, Qatar has something for everyone visiting the country. Qatar's iconic museums, ancient forts and high-end retail malls offering world-famous brands will also be vying for the attention of football fans.
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During matches, fans will be treated to a collection of the most pioneering stadiums to ever host a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. 32 countries, 8 venues, 65 matches. Four magnificent games will be played each day during the group stage, which will run over a 12-day period, and see winners and runners-up progress to the round of 16.
\r\n"}}">The FIFA season in Qatar promises to be a month of superlatives. Excellent facilities, exceptional stadiums, exquisite hotels and outstanding leisure options and so much more await visitors arriving in Qatar in 2022. Thousands upon thousands of die-hard fans will find plenty of indulgent activities to experience between games.
From world-class dining scenes, pristine beaches, impressive art and culture and diverse adventure opportunities, Qatar has something for everyone visiting the country. Qatar’s iconic museums, ancient forts and high-end retail malls offering world-famous brands will also be vying for the attention of football fans.
During matches, fans will be treated to a collection of the most pioneering stadiums to ever host a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. 32 countries, 8 venues, 65 matches. Four magnificent games will be played each day during the group stage, which will run over a 12-day period, and see winners and runners-up progress to the round of 16.
Not to be outdone, the ground-breaking 40,000-seat Stadium 974 was constructed out of 974 shipping containers, which incidentally is Qatar’s international dialling code. What’s more, the arena is popular for honouring Qatar's rich maritime history and for its remarkable design where the entire set will be dismantled after the World Cup concludes. Stadium 974 is the first arena in the world that was built to be torn down. Its location will become a stylish waterfront recreation area thereafter leaving a sustainable legacy behind.
\r\n"}}">Qatar’s futuristic venues for the various FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournaments are sure to create the perfect backdrop to unforgettable matches. The Al Bayt Stadium, which hosts the opening match is located in the city of Al Khor. The arena takes its name from bayt al sha’ar that translates to Bedouin tents – which inspired the design of this 60,000 capacity, futuristic dream, that comes complete with a retractable roof and innovative cooling technologies.
Not to be outdone, the ground-breaking 40,000-seat Stadium 974 was constructed out of 974 shipping containers, which incidentally is Qatar’s international dialling code. What’s more, the arena is popular for honouring Qatar’s rich maritime history and for its remarkable design where the entire set will be dismantled after the World Cup concludes. Stadium 974 is the first arena in the world that was built to be torn down. Its location will become a stylish waterfront recreation area thereafter leaving a sustainable legacy behind.
Other equally impressive stadiums include Al Thumama, which from afar resembles traditional Arab headwear; Ahmad Bin Ali; Education City; Al Janoub and Al Rayyan stadium. The final match is planned to take place at the ultra-modern, Lusail Stadium with 80,000 seating capacity, on 18th December 2022.
All 8 tournament venues are set to be divided across the country at an easily accessible distance and will take no more than an hour’s travel time from one venue to another. Fans can travel in and around the city and between stadiums via metro, car, bike or taxi, using advanced transport systems that are affordable, convenient and comfortable.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will undoubtedly afford football fans everywhere the chance to enjoy a unique experience in the land of culture, innovation and hospitality. See you in Qatar in 2022.
Al Bayt Stadium
Enjoy the warmest of Arab welcomes. Al Bayt Stadium’s role as host for the FIFA World Cup 2022 Opening Match was assured from its first design sketch. Qatar turned to the rich fabric of its culture to welcome the world – inviting guests to enjoy the traditional comfort custom has demanded in this region for centuries.
Inspired by the bayt al sha’ar of Qatar’s nomadic people, the stadium’s magnificent tent structure envelopes an ultra-modern football stadium. Traditionally, the tents are identified by black and white stripes. This is reflected on the arena’s distinctive exterior, as are the vibrant sadu patterns that greet fans once inside.
Sustainability was paramount in Al Bayt Stadium’s development and the upper tier was designed to be removed after the tournament – allowing the recommissioning of seats.
Environmental practices extend to the surrounding city of Al Khor where the numerous parks, lakes and protected greenbelt land stretch out from the stadium to the sea – ensuring a lasting legacy from the world’s most welcoming stadium.
Host of the Opening Match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Capacity
60,000
Al Khor City, 35km north of central Doha
Lusail Stadium
Alive with heritage, an icon for the future. Lusail Stadium will host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final – an event that will secure its place in football and architectural history. Immense yet exquisite, the scale and splendour of this arena are a wonder, built to lie in harmony with its surroundings.
The design reflects the hand-crafted bowls found all across the Arab and Islamic world during the rise of civilisation, while interplays of light mirror the fanar lanterns of the region. With the passing of time, the golden exterior will fade replicating aged metal handicrafts to create a venue alive with cultural character.
On 18 December 2022, 80,000 fans will come together here for the greatest FIFA World Cup Final ever. Afterwards, and in keeping with Qatar’s dedication to sustainable development, Lusail Stadium will be transformed into a community space of schools, shops, cafés, sporting facilities and health clinics. This is the amazing we’ve all been waiting for – the here, the now and the future.
Watch an epic celebration of Lusail Stadium
Host of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final Match
Capacity
80,000
Lusail City, 20km north of central Doha
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Where desert stories unfold. Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium stands proudly in Umm Al Afaei– one of Qatar’s most historic cities and home to the famous Al Rayyan SC. It is located right on the edge of the desert, the scene of many Qatari tales that live close to the hearts of the locals – a welcoming people who love their football as much as their fascinating past.
The stadium’s design, and that of its surrounding buildings, mirrors aspects of the local culture and traditions. The intricate façade reflects the undulations of sand dunes while intricate geometric patterns reflect the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, as well as local and international trade. It is the perfect home for Al Rayyan SC when the tournament ends.
More than 80% of the construction material came from the original stadium that previously occupied the site, while existing trees were also carefully retained. When fans visit, they will be able to travel via an environmentally friendly new Doha Metro system – complementing a truly sustainable venue experience.
Capacity
40,000
Umm Al Afaei, 20km west of central Doha
Al Janoub Stadium
See football sail into a new era. Al Janoub Stadium lies in the southern city of Al Wakrah, one of Qatar’s oldest continuously inhabited areas. A city rich in history but with its sights set on a new horizon – the future of football. As the FIFA World Cup 2022 plays out, the world will be invited into some of the most unique stadiums ever built for the beautiful game – Al Janoub Stadium sits firmly in that category.
The stadium’s captivating design reflects the wind-filled sails of Qatar’s traditional dhow boats – in tribute to Al Wakrah’s fishing and pearl diving past. For centuries these beautiful crafts have sailed through Gulf waters and far beyond, returning laden with the sea’s bounty.
After the tournament, Al Janoub’s capacity will be reduced, with seats donated to other sporting projects around the world. This will also guarantee an electric atmosphere for Al Wakrah SC matches. Beyond football, the venue’s is surrounded by luscious parkland featuring sport and leisure facilities which will benefit the whole community for years to come. The future is bright for this wonderful arena.
Capacity
40,000
Al Wakrah, 22km east of central Doha
Al Thumama Stadium
A venue steeped in culture and tradition. Al Thumama Stadium’s dynamic and imaginative shape celebrates local culture and traditions just as much as it does a new era for stadium design. This particular venue also has a significance that is close to the hearts of locals and resonates across the region.
Its bold, circular form reflects the gahfiya – the traditional woven cap adorned by men and boys all across the Arab world. An integral part of family life and central to traditions, the gahfiya symbolises the coming of age for youth. A time of emerging self-confidence and ambition that marks the first steps into the future and a realisation of dreams, it is a fitting inspiration for this one-of-a-kind stadium.
Fans’ first glimpse of Al Thumama may come from above, as many international flights descend over the venue. Its brilliant white exterior stands out amid its lush green surroundings – areas for play and relaxation. Al Thumama Stadium brings a vision beyond its inspiration and purpose – marking a coming of age for the beautiful game.
Capacity
40,000
Al Thumama, 12km south of central Doha
Education City Stadium
A shimmering jewel of inspiration. Education City Stadium is an extraordinary venue. It shines a brilliant light on Qatar’s position as a dynamic learning hub for students and academics across the Arab World and beyond. Its namesake location, Education City, is a vibrant centre of learning and knowledge. The arena is empowered by its neighbouring universities whose corridors buzz with new ideas and stories of cutting-edge research – expressing visionary talent and innovation.
The stadium’s ultra-modern design blends seamlessly with traditional Islamic architecture. On the exterior, triangles create complex diamond-like geometrical patterns that sparkle as the sun moves across the sky. At night, a digital light show illuminates the façade – giving fans a remarkable surprise performance.
Around the campuses, you’ll discover many first-in-class sporting and leisure facilities. After the tournament, more amenities will be added to the stadium precinct – keeping locals and the academic community fit for the future and stimulated outside the classroom.
Capacity
40,000
Al Rayyan, 13km north-west of central Doha
Khalifa International Stadium
A sporting legend re-energised. Khalifa International Stadium has hosted a long list of momentous sporting events since its inauguration in 1976. In fact, rarely is football or athletics mentioned in Qatar without referring to this venue. Naturally, the stadium received a complete refit for the FIFA World Cup 2022 as a reward for its long-standing service. On reopening in May 2017, it played host to the Amir Cup Final – the club football event close to the hearts of all Qataris.
The stadium’s magnificent dual arches were always its most recognisable features. These remain intact – but now feature a wide canopy stretched out below them. This complements the stadium’s cooling system to maintain a comfortable temperature for players and fans alike.
The new tier added 12,000 seats, while digital lighting and a modern façade brought new sparkle to an old friend. Having previously staged the Arabian Gulf Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and IAAF World Athletics Championships, this venue is ready to excite the world as part of the greatest football show on earth.
Capacity
40,000
Aspire, 5km west of central Doha
Stadium 974
Innovation at the heart of it all. Stadium 974 made history even before its first match. Constructed entirely from shipping containers and modular steel, it is the first fully demountable covered football stadium – showing Qatar’s commitment to cost-effective sustainability and daring design.
This unique venue pays tribute to Qatar’s long-standing tradition of worldwide trade and seafaring. Not only is 974 the international dialling code for Qatar, but it is also the exact number of shipping containers used in construction. Situated in the portside area and in sight of Doha’s coastal cityscape, fans at Stadium 974 will feel the cool breeze as it rolls in from the Arabian Gulf.
After the tournament, the containers and super-structure will be reused. A waterfront development boasting fabulous facilities for the local community will spring to life, as well as a dynamic hub for business. This new concept in venue development ensures that while Stadium 974’s physical presence may be temporary, its legacy will be everlasting.
Capacity
40,000
Ras Abu Aboud, 10km east of central Doha
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