A country so widely recognized for its amazing landmarks and top of the line hospitality, Qatar is set to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022. A competition that will feature 32 teams, over a million visitors, and a month-long footballing carnival, the excitement around the upcoming world cup is telling, to say the least.
But here's a thing, as the world cup edges ever closer, there are many question marks on the preparations FIFA 2022 in Qatar. From the question of accommodation to the number of venues available, Qatar faces a massive challenge to be ready for the competition.
Speaking of venues only, for example, here's our take on the top 5 stadiums that Qatar is set to have for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the winter of 2022.
Top 5 Stadiums in Qatar
Have a look at the top five stadiums that Qatar has and are set to be the venues for the upcoming 2022 FIFA games.
1. Lusail Stadium
One of the most significant stadiums as far as the FIFA World Cup is concerned, the Lusail Stadium is set to be the venue for the competition's final on the 18th of December. A stadium that will have the highest seating capacity of all stadiums in Qatar, the Lusail Stadium will be accommodating up to 86,250 visitors during the competition.
Speaking of its design, the stadium represents a dhow boat that has a near-divine place in the history of Qatar. Dhow boats have been used by Pearl chasers for centuries in Qatar and are still used today for going far off in the Arabian waters.
The best part? The stadium is surrounded by water all around which gives it a surreal look. Besides, once the FIFA World Cup is over, the stadium will be used for other sporting and cultural events in Qatar.
Location- Lusail, Qatar
Scheduled Inauguration- 2021
Maximum Seating Capacity- 86,250
2. Khalifa International Stadium
A stadium that already holds immense importance for Qatar, the Khalifa International Stadium is another of the venues for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The stadium originally has a seating capacity of 50,000 which will be upgraded for the world cup in accordance with the FIFA protocols minimum seating capacity for the world cup.
Besides, this is a stadium that previously hosted the 2011 AFC Asian Cup final and has been the venue for many international games, most notably the friendly between England and Brazil.
Being the centerpiece for Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence in the country, the up-gradation of Khalifa International Stadium is also being seen as a major boost for the country's sporting culture.
Location- Al Waab St, Doha, Qatar
Inauguration- 1976
Maximum Seating Capacity- 50,000 (68,030 for FIFA 2022)
3. Al Bayt Stadium
Another of those newly constructed venues for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Al Bayt Stadium is already catching a lot of attention from footballing experts around the world. The stadium is a true specimen of how Qatar promotes the idea of sustainability. The surroundings of the stadiums have been designed with tradition and modernity in mind and give a surreal look to it.
As for the interior, the construction is in its final stages while the tunnel from where the teams emerge has already been completed. Speaking of the overall construction, the stadium would be ready very soon to welcome the fans.
Location- Al Khor, Qatar
Inauguration- By the end of 2020 (expected)
Maximum Seating Capacity- 60,000
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4. Al Janoub Stadium
The Al Janoub Stadium is one of those venues for the FIFA 2022 that have already been completed. The stadium opened in 2019 last year for the Amir Cup final and even hosted the 24th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup in December 2019. Hence, if the atmosphere in the stadium at that time is anything to go by, well, fans would be in for a serious treat once the FIFA World Cup kicks off.
Besides, speaking of the structure, the stadium's design is inspired by a traditional dhow boat that holds an important place in Qatar and is still used today.
Location- Al Wakrah, Qatar
Inauguration- 2019
Maximum Seating Capacity- 40,000
5. Al Thumama Stadium
Located at one of the finest locations in Qatar, the Al Thumama Stadium is one of the most gorgeously designed stadiums in Qatar and is set to pass on a strong message to the entire world once the 2022 World Cup kicks off.
The design of the stadium is inspired by the Gahfiya which is a traditional cap that men and boys in the Middle-East wear. The cap is a strong symbol of dignity and independence and the stadium will be passing on the same message to the world as well as the youth of Qatar throughout its existence.
Besides, once the world cup is over, the seating capacity of the Al Thumama Stadium will be reduced to 20,000 and the rest of the stands will be given to meet the infrastructural requirements of other sporting nations. As for the remaining, it will be used for local events in the city.
Location- Doha, Qatar
Inauguration- By the end of 2020 (projected)
Maximum Seating Capacity- 40,000
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Other Stadiums In Qatar Set To Host The FIFA World Cup
As the FIFA World Cup edges ever closer, there are a total of eight stadiums set to host the upcoming event in the country. So, here are the other three top stadiums in Qatar that one needs to know about as far as the upcoming world cup is concerned.
1. Al Rayyan Stadium
Another arena that carries huge significance in terms of the upcoming world cup in the country, the Al Rayyan Stadium may not be the largest stadium in Qatar but is certainly popular amongst footballing fans in the country. Having a maximum seating capacity of 40,000 and home to the Al Rayyan Sports Club, the stadium would be a major attraction with multiple facilities for visitors coming here. Interestingly, the Al Rayyan Stadium opened on 18th December 2020 with Amir Cup Final.
Once the world cup gets over, the arena would provide multiple facilities to the local community here. There will be sporting and other such facilities provided to the people in Al Rayyan.
Location - Al Rayyan
Inauguration - 18th December 2020
Maximum Seating Capacity - 40,000
2. Education City Stadium
Another Qatar stadium that is rapidly becoming popular in the Education City, the Education City Stadium is a top arena that has its 40,000 seating capacity and is set to host the upcoming world cup games in the country. Amongst the many tourist attractions in Qatar, the stadium is widely famous and tours of the whole arena are provided to travelers today. Interestingly, this is a stadium that already has a history of hosting major international matches over the years. There have been a number of knockout ties that have been played here.
Besides, once the world cup gets over in the country, about 20,000 seats at the Education City Stadium would then be donated to other developing countries in need of good sporting infrastructure. Hence, the legacy of the Qatar FIFA World Cup would be taken forward to other parts of the world while other countries would be benefited.
Location - Education City
Inauguration - 15th June 2020
Maximum Seating Capacity - 40,000
3. Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
Nestled in Doha and one of the finest of Qatar stadiums, the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium is a fine arena that will be hosting a number of high-profile matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The stadium has a maximum seating capacity of 40,000 and overlooks the amazing west bay skyline of Doha.
Interestingly, this is a stadium that will be completely dismantled and repurposed once the world cup gets over. The stadium has, in fact, been constructed with removable seats, shipping containers, and other such materials.
Once the tournament is over, every single part of the stadium would be used for a number of sporting or non-sporting activities. Hence, much like other stadiums in the country, immense stress has been laid on the sustainability of Ras Abu Aboud Stadium.
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Facts Around the FIFA World Cup
We spoke about the stadiums and the top ones which are set to host the upcoming FIFA event. Now let's wrap up the article with some interaction facts surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
1. First-Ever Winter World Cup
The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar will officially be the first-ever winter world cup to be held in the Northern Hemisphere. Originally, the world cup usually takes place in June and July in the Southern Hemisphere as this is the time when the region experiences winter conditions.
However, owing to the summer conditions in the country when temperatures can go beyond 40 degrees celsius, the decision to host the world cup in winter has, thus, been taken by FIFA.
2. Uncertainty Over Alcohol
Alcohol has been a major talking point right since Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA games. There are question marks whether the country will serve alcohol in the stadiums during the FIFA matches or not.
There are multiple reports that the country may well set up fan zones in certain areas where alcohol will be served to the fans at subsidized rates. However, a country where there are considerable restrictions on the consumption of alcohol on streets and in public areas, how will Qatar manage the availability of alcohol during FIFA 2022 still is a big question.
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3. Most Expensive World Cup Ever
The World Cup which is to be held in Qatar in 2022 will officially be the most expensive world cup ever hosted in the world. The country is spending a whopping $200 billion USD on infrastructural projects ahead of the world cup which is much more than what Russia spent for the last world cup.
The majority of the venues for the competition will be newly constructed while the renovation and construction of roads and highways including street lights are all on Qatar's radar for the upcoming event.
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4. Commutability
Being the most centrally located country in the world, commuting to Qatar wouldn't be a hassle for the visitors once the FIFA World Cup kicks off. There will be direct cheap flights available from just about every corner of the world.
Likewise, the reason why commutability wouldn't be a problem during the world cup is because of the size of Qatar. The country is an estimated 1478 times smaller than the size of Russia and the Doha metro network is all set to ferry about one million visitors during the competition.
The metro network runs for a distance of 300 km and has 100 stations in total including the venues of the world cup. Likewise, the most remotely located stadiums in Qatar, the Al Bayt and Al Wakrah stadiums are only 90 miles apart which again speaks volumes of how closely located the venues are.
Even the visitors coming from nearby areas like Bahrain would be able to arrive for matches at the Education City Stadium as the venue is only 51 minutes away from Bahrain through a high-speed rail network.
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5. Fewest Venues Ever
Now here's an interesting fact about the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the competition is set to be played in the lowest number of stadiums with only eight stadiums being lined for the whole competition. Notably so, out of all eight venues, seven will be new stadiums while one will be fully refurbished with each and every venue to have an air-conditioning facility.
Considering that there was a lot of talk around the lack of stadiums for the event in Qatar, these stadiums have more or less eased the pressure off Qatar and are in their final stages of completion while some have already been completed.
6. Accommodation To Be A Major Talking Point
Right since the time Qatar won the bid to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup, the accommodation has come up as a massive headache for Qatar. As per reports, the country currently has about 40,000 hotel rooms and it plans to upgrade to 70,000 for the world cup.
However, consider this, there are about 1.2-1.5 million visitors expected to visit for the world cup but Qatar may have only 70,000 hotel rooms. Hence, judging by the numbers, getting accommodation might be a big headache during the world cup.
But here's a thing, the government in Qatar is, in fact, taking steps to counter the problem of accommodation. There are multiple reports that suggest the government has signed deals with multiple cruise liners that will act as floating hotels for the FIFA World Cup. These cruise liners will be able to accommodate at least 40,000 visitors during the event.
Likewise, Qatar has even approached the organizers of Glastonbury, the British Music Festival to set up luxury tents in the desert where visitors would be able to stay.
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7. Record Number Of Flights
Last of the facts around the FIFA World Cup 2022, the number of flights that Qatar will receive during the month-long competition will set a new record. There will be a staggering 1300 flights coming into the country on a daily basis for the whole month as the Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways will join hands to pull this feat off.
The decision has been taken to allow visitors to book a flight to Qatar without facing any sort of hassle.
A country that isn't widely renowned for its footballing prowess, Qatar is set to receive a major boost when the FIFA World Cup kicks off in the winter of 2022. With eight world-class stadiums each having a unique design and specialty about it, such developments in the country would certainly help encourage sports amongst the youth of Qatar and would be a giant step forward in bridging the gap between the Middle-East and European nations.
As for the top 5 stadiums mentioned above, each stadium will be the venue for the upcoming world cup and is set to be equipped with all modern facilities to enhance the match experience of the fans.
FAQs
The 2022 World Cup is set to be held in Qatar and FIFA has already released the official match schedule for the whole competition.
Qatar is spending an estimated $200 billion USD on infrastructural projects ahead of the world cup which will make it the most expensive world cup ever.
The 2022 World Cup will begin on the 21st of November and end with the final scheduled for 18th December 2022, just a week before Christmas.
Speaking in terms of the world cup, Qatar will have eight stadiums with seven newly built and one fully refurbished for the world cup.
The Qatar World Cup will have the lowest number of venues with only eight stadiums being lined up for the whole month-long competition. This will be the first time ever when a world cup will take place in only eight stadiums.
The Khalifa International Stadium, which is also one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup is the biggest stadium in Qatar till date. However, as far as the seating capacity is concerned, the Lusail Stadium comes out on top in that case.
There are a total of eight stadiums that have been lined up by Qatar for the upcoming FIFA 2022. Out of these eight stadiums, seven will be new and one will be fully refurbished.
The FIFA World Cup 2022 will be hosted by four cities in Qatar that include Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Doha, and Al Rayyan.
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