The 8 Stadiums for the World Cup in Qatar

As we head into the year of the World Cup, educating ourselves about the stadiums will help enrich our experience. With all the eight stadiums using innovative design concepts, advanced cooling technologies and a true reflection of the Qatari culture, the Qatar World Cup Stadiums are set to deliver an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience beyond football.

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, located on the edge of the desert, focuses on sustainability, human development and preserving nature. Built on the site of club’s former ground, the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium incorporates symbols of Qatari culture into its spectacular façade, while the surrounding facilities and sand dune-shaped structures also reflect the surrounding land. The 40,000 – capacity venue, uses environmentally friendly building materials from the old Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan stadium) whilst advanced cooling technologies are installed to ensure the experience is as best as it can be.

Al Bayt Stadium

Al Bayt Stadium is located in one of the oldest cities in Qatar, Al Khor, located on the eastern edge of the Doha metropolitan area. An innovatively designed stadium, it is inspired by bayt al sha’ar, the traditional tents in which the region’s nomadic people used to live in. This tent-like design has a retractable roof system that will shade the structure and work with the cooling technologies to maintain temperature internally.

This 60,000-capacity stadium is set to fulfil football fantasies – not only in the breath-taking design but also as the home for some of the key matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ including the Opening Match, five additional Group Matches, the Knockout matches and one of the two all–important Semi-finals matches!  

Al Janoub Stadium

Al Janoub is a 40,000-capacity stadium located in the southern city of Al Wakrah, once a centre for Qatar’s pearl diving and fishing. The appearance of the stadium roof was inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats, used by pearl divers from the region. The Stadium, which opened in 2019, provided a host for the Emir Cup Final, laying foundations and exciting expectations for the World Cup at the end of this year. After the tournament has taken place, the stadiums’ capacity will be reduced to 20,000, donating to football development projects overseas.

Al Thumama Stadium

Reflective of the traditional Arabic headwear design worn by men and boys across the Middle East, the stadium celebrates Arab culture and traditions with its breath-taking exterior. This 40,000-capacity stadium, located 12km south from central Doha, is named after a native tree that can be found in the area. The futuristic focused complex is a purpose-built education park dedicated to raising awareness about electricity and water conservation. After the tournament, the plan is to reduce stadium capacity to 20,000, allowing space for a sports clinic and hotel.

Education City Stadium

The Education City Stadium offers what it says in its name, an amazing experience for fans. Striving to make the World Cup a catalyst for social and human development, the whole Education City area is the home of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, with the stadium surrounded by leading universities. The stadium also offers innovative facilities, including football training pitches, a golf course, and shops, not to mention it is located only 7km away from Doha’s bustling city centre. Like all the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ stadiums, advanced cooling technologies are in place to ensure all the players and fans enjoy the experience to its potential. Post-tournament, the arena’s capacity will be reduced by half and 20,000 seats will be donated to build stadiums in developing countries, helping cultivate a passion for the game around the globe.

Lusail Stadium

As the Flagship of the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, the Lusail Stadium will take centre stage. This newly constructed stadium will host around 80,000 football fans for the most important game in world football, the FIFA World Cup™ Final. Located roughly 20km north of the Doha’s city centre, in a brand-new metropolis called Lusail City, this iconic Stadium has been inspired by the decorative motifs on bowls found across the Arab world, displaying Qatar’s passion for sharing its culture with the world. Whilst it will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ Final, the stadium will also host six Group Matches and three Knockout round matches including one Semi–Final. Like the other seven state-of-the-art stadiums, Lusail uses a modern technology to maintain the perfect temperature within the stadium.

Khalifa International Stadium

The Khalifa International Stadium is the only existing stadium being used for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ and well known for its illustrious hosting history. Built in 1976 in Al Rayyan, the country’s sporting tradition is at home here; over the years the stadium has become powerfully symbolic to mark sporting excellence in all form. The accomplished 40,000 seat arena has previously welcomed the Asian Games, the Arabian Gulf Cup, and the AFC Asian Cup, among other events. To represent the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, the stadium has undertaken some recent changes to make it more innovative than ever before. Externally, the building holds an ultramodern shape with dual arches that represent continuity and culture from all over the globe. Whilst internally, all seating areas are protected from the elements by a canopy, with further climate control delivered by cooling technologies.

Stadium 974

Previously known as Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, the recently renamed Stadium 974 is a 40,000 seater stadium inspired by Qatar’s worldwide trade and seafaring. 974 is the international dialling code for Qatar, as well as the exact number of shipping containers used in construction.  This stadium will be the first ever fully demountable stadium used for a FIFA World Cup™.  This innovative stadium can be dismantled post-tournament, and reused as a new stadium or repurposed into several smaller venues! There is no surprise the stadium received four stars rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System. Located on the shores of the Gulf and in the heart of Doha, the stadium not only offers amazing views of West Bay but also the Corniche, Doha’s landmark 7km long promenade.

As the Official Travel Partner to The FA, we’re excited to be providing Official England World Cup Travel™ Packages to England’s passionate supporters! Be sure to snap up the limited Early Bird offer and get your place secured for this once-in-a-lifetime event.