A Take On The Stadiums Set for The FIFA 2022 World Cup

World's biggest sporting event loved by millions of people around the world, the FIFA World Cup 2022 is set to amaze footballing fans once again in 2022 as it reaches Qatar, one of the smallest countries in the world.

Excitement and passion for the game will be on full toll as teams from around the world go head to head for the grand prize. Not only is the FIFA 2022 special in its own way but there are many facts and figures revolving around the world cup that has caught the eye in recent times.

Much of these talks are around the preparations that Qatar is making being the host country and the fact that this is the first-ever winter world cup to be played in the Northern Hemisphere.

The country is spending a whopping $200 billion USD on infrastructural projects with seven new stadiums and 1 revamped stadium set for the world cup. In fact, this is the first time ever when a world cup will be played with only 8 stadiums.

So, if you're a footballing fanatic gearing up for the 2022 World Cup, we have brought you a detailed take on the stadiums that are set to host the matches of FIFA 2022.

Stadiums to Host FIFA 2022 in Qatar

Here's our take on the stadiums set for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

1. Qatar University Stadium

Being one of the stadiums set to host the FIFA 2022, the Qatar University Stadium is rooted just on the outskirts of Doha city. The stadium has a maximum seating capacity of 43,500 set for the 2022 World Cup and boasts of its architectural brilliance.

It has been designed with mesmerizing gold patterns that reflect the true Arabian culture. The stadium has been equipped with all modern facilities that one can expect and will be used by the campus students for tournaments with a maximum capacity of 23,500 post the 2022 World Cup.

Likewise, the upper tier of the stadium will be de-constructed and given to any underdeveloped footballing nation for enhancing the sports facilities once the world cup is over. Hence, the Qatar University Stadium will not only become a world cup venue for the FIFA 2022 but would also provide world-class infrastructure for the development of student-athletes post the world cup.

2. Al Rayyan Stadium

A stadium that has the potential to change the whole sporting culture in Qatar, the Al Rayyan Stadium has been designed with a rare concept and is rooted in the municipality of Al Rayyan.

Being one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the stadium boasts of its design which has a special media membrane on all sides to screen the latest news, matches, and updates from the sporting world.

So, even if fans fail to get the tickets for the matches, they would still be able to watch live action along with the pre-match and post-match spectacle. The matches that will be screened will be shown from different camera angles along with replays to enhance the experience of fans watching at fan parks beside the stadium.

Suggested Read: The Al Rayyan Stadium In Qatar: A World Cup Venue In The Historic Haven Of The Country

3. Education City Stadium

Another stadium on the list of venues for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Education City Stadium is located in the middle of university campuses and boasts of its glittering design. The stadium has been built and designed in such a way that it glitters during the day and glows by night.

In fact, Qatar has officially announced the completion of this stadium recently, and the best part? It is located at a mere 51 minutes journey by speed rail from Bahrain and can be commuted by visitors for the FIFA 2022 easily.

Likewise, once the world cup is over, the stadium's lower tier will be retained and used by university athlete teams with about 25,000 seating capacity.

Suggested Read: Qatar Education City: Creating Leaders In The Country

4. Khalifa International Stadium

A world-class venue with a maximum seating capacity of 68,030, the Khalifa International Stadium was previously the host of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup Final. The stadium has many major events like the international friendly between England and Brazil.

This time, however, the stadium is to be one of the venues for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2022. The capacity of this stadium will be upgraded from its previous capacity of 50,000 according to the FIFA protocols of maximum stadium capacity.

The best part? The Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar would be a live example of stunning architecture during the world cup and would help promote Qatar's sporting reputation as it is one of the centerpieces of the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence in the country.

Suggested Read: A Take On The Key Talking Points Ahead Of The FIFA World Cup 2022

5. Lusail Iconic Stadium

A venue that is set to carry immense significance in terms of the world cup, the FIFA 2022 will kick off with the opener here while the final of the world cup would also be held at this stadium.

Lusail Stadium has a maximum seating capacity of 86,250 for the FIFA World Cup and represents a dhow for the design. Being an inspiration for the stadium, a dhow has a divine place in the history of Qatar and remains an important part of it.

The stadium is even surrounded by water all around which only adds up to its beauty. Besides, once the FIFA World Cup is over, the Lusail Iconic Stadium would be used for various cultural and other major sporting events.

Suggested Read: Top Historical Places To Visit In Doha On Your Travel

6. Al Bayt Stadium

Located in Al-Khor, and having a maximum seating capacity of 60,000, the Al Bayt Stadium is in the final stages of its completion and will be one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup 2022. The stadium has been designed in such a way that the lake and water features added to it are telling.

Many trees and grass have been planted outside to make it sustainable for long. In fact, the legacy of Qatar has been kept in mind while designing the park outside the stadium.

As for the interiors of the stadium, the tunnel through which the teams emerge has been completed and the inner architecture remains in the final stages of its completion. Having said that, the excitement about the stadium hosting its first match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 is telling to say the least.

Suggested Read: A Take on the Top Contenders to Win the FIFA World Cup 2022

7. Al Janoub Stadium

A stadium that opened last year in 2029 with the Amir Cup Final, the Al Janoub Stadium had a seating capacity of 40,000 and is one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Located in Al Wakrah, the stadium's design is again inspired by the traditional dhow boats of Qatar that have played a huge role in their history.

Being the center for fishing and pearl diving, Al Wakrah was where the boats were majorly used for such pursuits, and that inspired the design of Al Janoub Stadium. In fact, the atmosphere of the stadium makes it a perfect venue for a major sporting event like the FIFA World Cup.

The stadium has previously hosted two major events including the 24th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup in December 2019 that gave a good highlight of how the atmosphere within the stadium is set to be for the 2022 FIFA games.

8. Al Thumama Stadium

Located at a distance of mere 12km from the Doha's skyline and waterfront promenade, the Al Thumama Stadium has been designed with inspiration from the Gahfiya, a traditional cap worn by all men and boys across the middle-east.

The stadium has a maximum seating capacity of 40,000 and will be a venue to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches through to the quarter-finals. The best part? The stadiums’ outer design looks exactly like the Gahfiya which is a live symbol of dignity and independence.

Hence, as the stadium looks alike, it is set to play a huge role in passing on the passing of independence and dignity to countries around the world. Besides, what is exciting is that it not only passes a message but also portrays the country's past and future.

Once the world cup is over, the stadium's seating capacity will be reduced in order to meet the requirements of sporting infrastructure for other countries. The remaining 20,000 seating capacity will be kept for local event needs.

9. Ras Abu About Stadium

Last but not least on our list, the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium has a maximum seating capacity of 40,000 for the FIFA World Cup 2022. The stadium has been designed remarkably and will be used for the world cup.

Once the world cup is over, it will be completely dismantled and repurposed, having been constructed with removable seats, shipping containers, and such other materials.

As for the parts of the stadium, they will be used for other sporting and non-sporting events, eventually upholding sustainability and new ideas legacy planning. The stadium is located on the shores of the gulf and overlooks the mesmerizing west bay skyline, making it a perfect location for an event like the FIFA World Cup.

So, now we know about the stadiums that are set to host the grand event of world football in 2022. Let's catch a highlight on some of the other facts revolving around the FIFA 2022.

Suggested Read: All You Need to Know About the Stadiums for the FIFA 2022 World Cup

Facts Worth Knowing About the FIFA World Cup 2022

Here's our take on certain facts and figures related to FIFA 2022 worth paying attention to.

• The Qatar FIFA World Cup is said to be the most commutable world cup ever owing to the country's small size and well-connected cities.
• The Doha metro network will connect all venues with each other. The 300 km long metro network has about 100 stations along the way.
• The commutability of the FIFA World Cup can also be understood by the fact that Qatar's two most remote stadiums, Al Bayt, and Al Wakrah are only 90 miles apart.
• The metro network in Qatar is expected to ferry a staggering one million visitors during the FIFA World Cup 2022.
• The Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways will join hands to bring a whopping 1300 flights into the country within a single day. This would continue for the whole month so that the visitors who wish to book a flight to Qatar don't face any issues.
• For the first time ever in a world cup, there will be no alcohol served in the stadiums. However, fan zones will be set around the country where the special licenses will be provided to serve alcohol.
• Qatar is officially set to be the first-ever middle eastern country to host the world cup. Around all the controversies surrounding Qatar winning the bid, the fact is that the country is ready and well on course to complete its infrastructural projects for the FIFA 2022.
• The Qatar FIFA World Cup is officially set to be the most expensive world cup ever with the country spending an estimated $200 billion USD on infrastructural projects ahead of the world cup.
• The stadiums built by Qatar for the world cup are set to be first-ever fully air-conditioned stadiums considering the hot temperatures in Qatar.

A country widely renowned for its fine Arabian hospitality and numerous landmarks, Qatar prepares for the biggest event on earth as it hosts the FIFA World Cup 2022 in a first-ever winter world cup in the Northern Hemisphere.

With the tournament set to kick off on November 21st, 2022, the preparations are on full swing and may well meet the deadlines set.  With 8 world-class stadiums designed to not only showcase the culture of the country and the middle east but also to provide top of the line experience to the visitors, the FIFA World Cup 2022 promises to be grander than anticipated earlier.

So haven't you booked your flight to Qatar yet?

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