Gallery: Qatar’s Fifa World Cup stadiums – in pictures

published 19 October 2022

Eight stadiums will host a total of 64 matches during the 2022 Fifa World Cup finals in Qatar. All eight venues are situated within a 21-mile radius of central Doha and will be linked by a metro system, the Daily Mail reported. The tournament kicks off on 20 November at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor and the final on 18 December will be held at the 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium – the “centrepiece” of the Qatar World Cup, said The Telegraph.

Lusail Stadium: ten matches including the final

Located nine miles north of Doha, the 80,000-capacity Lusail Stadium will host ten matches, including the World Cup final on 18 December. It was designed by Foster + Partners in a joint venture with Arup and sports specialist Populous. As well as the final, six group games, one round of 16, one quarter-final and one semi-final will be held here.

Al Bayt Stadium: nine matches including the opening game

The 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium in the city of Al Khor will host the World Cup opening fixture between Qatar and Ecuador on 20 November. Eight other matches will be held here, including one quarter-final and a semi-final. Its design is inspired by the tents historically used in the Gulf region.

Khalifa International Stadium: eight matches

Originally built in 1976, the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha was redeveloped for the World Cup. Six group games will be played at the 45,416-capacity venue as well as one round of 16 fixture and the third/fourth-placed play-off match.

Education City Stadium: eight matches

Education City Stadium, located 4.3 miles west of Doha in Al Rayyan, has a capacity of 40,000. Six group-stage matches will be held here along with a round of 16 game and one quarter-final.

Al Thumama Stadium: eight matches

Six group matches, one round of 16 and one quarter-final will be held at the Al Thumama Stadium. According to Fifa.com, the 40,000-capacity stadium’s design represents the “gahfiya” – a traditional woven cap worn by men and boys across the Middle East.

974 Stadium: seven matches

974 Stadium, which is located on the shores of the Gulf, will be the first temporary stadium to be used at a World Cup. Made of shipping containers, the 40,000-capacity venue will host seven matches, including six group games and a round of 16 tie.

Al Janoub Stadium: seven matches

Seven matches will be played at the 40,000-capacity Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah – six group-stage games and one round of 16 knockout fixture.

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium: seven matches

Inspired by the sand dunes, you’ll find Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on the edge of the desert in Al Rayyan, 12.4 miles west of Doha. The 40,000-capacity venue will host seven World Cup matches, six in the group stage and one round of 16 tie.

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Mike Starling is the former digital features editor at The Week. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon.