FIFA World cup Qatar 2022: All the stadiums hosting the matches

Qatar is set to be the first Arab country to host the world’s biggest sporting spectacle. It’s also the first in the Middle East and the third country in Asia, behind South Korea and Japan. Qatar rose to the challenge and built or renovated several stadiums with an eye on sustainability. The eight World Cup stadiums are designed to be iconic and will go down in history.

LUSAIL STADIUM | Capacity: 80,000 | The showpiece stadium of World Cup 2002 is located in Lusail, 20km north of the Qatari capital of Doha. It will be used for every stage of the World Cup, including the final on December 18 . The design is ‘inspired by the interplay of light and shadow’, representing the traditional fanar lantern.

KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM | Capacity: 45,400 | Inaugurated in 1976 and renovated later, the stadium in Al Rayyan will be used for the group stages, a Round of 16 fixture and the third-place playoff. It was used for Arab Cup and Fifa Club World Cup matches, besides the IAAF World Athletics Championships.

AL JANOUB STADIUM | Capacity: 40,000 | The stadium in Al Wakrah, a city in the south, was inaugurated in May 2019. It will host matches from the group stages to the Round of 16. The design is inspired by the traditional dhow boats.

AL BAYT STADIUM | Capacity : 60,000 | The stadium in the northern city of Al Khor will host matches from the group stages to the semi-finals. The name comes from ‘bayt al sha’ar’ — tents historically used by nomadic people.

AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM | Capacity: 40,000 | The stadium in Al Rayyan, which opened on December 18, 2020, will be used for matches from the group stages to the Round of 16. The design incorporates symbols of Qatari culture.

AL THUMAMA STADIUM | Capacity: 40,000 | Located 2km south of Doha, the stadium will be the venue from the group stages to the quarter-finals. The design represents the gahfiya, a traditional cap worn by men in Middle Eastern countries.

EDUCATION CITY STADIUM | Capacity: 40,000: Situated 7km from Doha city centre, the stadium will host matches from the group stages to the quarter-finals. It uses advanced cooling technology to ensure crowd comfort. Easy access by road or metro.

STADIUM 974 | Capacity: 40,000: The stadium opposite West Bay in Doha derives its name from Qatar’s dialling code (+974). Built from 974 shipping containers, the stadium will host matches from group stages to the Round of 16.