THE FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022™

2017

Khalifa International Stadium

Opening

On May 19, 2017, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, inaugurated Khalifa International Stadium, following an extensive renovation and expansion which increased its capacity to 40,000. The stadium was the first tournament-ready venue.

Design

Established in 1976, Khalifa International Stadium holds a special place in the heart of Qataris for hosting regional and international events throughout the years.

The stadium was renovated for the FIFA World Cup, with some 12,000 seats added. One of its most distinct features is its towering double arches, which can be spotted from a distance. A wide canopy was added working alongside the stadium’s innovative cooling system to maintain a comfortable envirnoment for players and fans alike.

Tournament Capacity

40,000

Matches

Hosted eight FIFA World Cup matches up until the round of 16 and the third-place match.

2019

Al Janoub Stadium

Opening

On 16 May, 2019, Al Janoub Stadium was inaugurated by hosting the
Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Duhail.

The ceremony was attended by HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.

Al Janoub Stadium was the second tournament-ready venue and the first purpose-built stadium for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

Design

Located in Al Wakrah city, around 22 km south of Doha, Al Janoub Stadium was designed by the late Iraqi engineer Zaha Hadid. Inspired by traditional sailboats, the venue’s design pays tribute to Al Wakrah city’s seafaring heritage.

Tournament Capacity

40,000

Matches

 Hosted seven matches from the group stage until the round of 16.

2020

Education City Stadium

Opening

Education City Stadium was completed on 15 June 2020 with a virtual event that paid tribute to frontline health workers during the pandemic.

Design story

The stadium’s modern design is inspired by traditional Islamic architecture. Known as ‘the Diamond in the Desert,’ its exterior is adorned with intricate, diamond-like geometric patterns that appear to change colour with the sun’s movement and illuminate with bright colours at night.

Tournament Capacity

40,000

Matches

Hosted eight matches from the group stage and up to the quarter-finals.

2020

Ahmad Bin Ali
Stadium

Opening

On December 18, 2020,
HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, inaugurated Ahmad bin Ali Stadium by hosting the Amir Cup final. Located in Al Rayyan city, the venue is now home to six-time Amir Cup champions, Al Rayyan SC.

Design

Ahmad bin Ali Stadium’s design celebrates local culture and traditions. Its striking facade comprises of d
istinct geometric shapes that depict the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, as well as local and international trade.

Tournament Capacity

40,000

Matches

Hosted seven matches from the group stage up to the round of 16.

2021

Al Thumama
Stadium

Opening

Located in a neighbourhood of the same name, Al Thumama Stadium opened its doors on 22 October 2021 during the Amir Cup final.

Design story

This unique venue was designed by Qatari engineer Ibrahim Al Jaidah to resemble the Gahfiya, a head garment worn by men and boys across the Arab World.

Its glossy white exterior stands out amid its surrounding precinct, which features green spaces and recreational facilities for the community.

Tournament Capacity

40,000

Matches

Hosted eight matches from the group stage until the quarter-final.

2021

Stadium
974

Opening

Stadium 974 was inaugurated by hosting its first match during the FIFA Arab Cup when the United Arab Emirates played Syria on 30 November 2021.

Design

Located on a scenic waterfront in Ras Abu Aboud, Stadium 974’s innovative design makes it the first FIFA-compliant venue that can be fully dismantled and repurposed post-event.

The venue, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to sustainability, was constructed using shipping containers and modular elements, which pays homage to the nearby port and industrial history of its location. Its name, Qatar’s dialing code, also reflects the number of shipping containers used to build the stadium.

Tournament Capacity

40,000

Matches

Hosted seven matches from the group stage until the round of 16.

2021

Al Bayt
Stadium

Opening

In the presence of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Al Bayt Stadium was inaugurated on 30 November 2021 for the opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™.

Design

Located in Al Khor, north of Doha, the stadium’s design draws its inspiration from bayt al sha’ar, tents traditionally used by nomadic people in the Gulf and the north Arabian Peninsula.

Tournament Capacity

60,000

Matches

Hosted the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony and match, eight matches in the group stage, up to the semi-finals.

2022

Lusail
Stadium

Opening

On 9 September 2022, Lusail Stadium, the largest FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ venue, officially opened its doors.

The stadium was inaugurated by hosting the Lusail Super Cup, a match between Al Hilal, Saudi league champions, and Al Zamalek, Egyptian league champions.

Design

Lusail Stadium’s design was inspired to imitate the interplay of light and shadow that characterises the traditional ‘fanar’ lantern. Its structure and facade echo the intricate decorative motifs typically found on artifacts from Arab and Islamic civilsations across the region.

Tournament Capacity

88,966

Matches

Hosted the 10 matches, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final and closing ceremony on 18 December 2022, coinciding with Qatar National Day.