World Cup 2022: Qatar World Cup Stadiums

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and eight stadiums will play host to 32 teams over 65 matches during the tournament. The stadiums are all located within a 21-mile radius of Doha and linked by a metro system. 

Let’s take a look at the eye-catching designs and capacity of each stadium, as well as how each one fits into the 2022 World Cup Schedule.

2022 World Cup Stadiums

Lusail Stadium

Capacity: 80,000

 Matches:

• 5x Group Matches
• 1x Round of 16
• 1x Quarter-Final
• 1x Semi-Final
• Final

Inspiration: The Lusail Stadium is Qatar’s centerpiece venue for the 2022 World Cup. The design was inspired by the hand-crafted bowls found in the region, while the interplays of light will mimic fanar lanterns.

Al Bayt Stadium

Capacity: 60,000

Matches:

• 5x Group Matches (incl. Opening Match)
• 1x Round of 16
• 1x Quarter-Final
• 1x Semi-Final

Inspiration: Qatar’s opening World Cup match will occur in a stadium inspired by tents known as “Bayt al sha’ar” of Qatar’s nomadic people. The exterior reflects the black and white stripes typical of the tents, while the interior is covered in vibrant sadu patterns.

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

Capacity: 40,000

 Matches:

• 5x Group Matches
• 1x Round of 16

Inspiration: This stadium reflects the culture and landscape of the area where it’s found. The intricate undulations on the exterior mimic sand dunes, while the geometric patterns show the beauty of the local flora and fauna found in the desert.

Al Janoub

Capacity: 40,000

 Matches:

• 5x Group Matches
• 1x Round of 16

Inspiration: This stadium is in Al Wakrah, which has a rich history of fishing and pearl diving. The stadium was designed to reflect the wind-filled sails of the traditional dhow boats in Qatar.

Al Thumama

Capacity: 40,000

 Matches:

• 5x Group Matches
• 1x Round of 16
• 1x Quarter-Final 

Inspiration: The bold, circular design of Al Thumama was inspired by the ghafiya, which is the traditional cap worn by men and boys across the Arab world. This cap signals coming of age.

Education City Stadium

Capacity: 40,000

 Matches:

• 5x Group Matches
• 1x Round of 16
• 1x Quarter-Final

Inspiration: The stadium is surrounded by universities and other learning centers that combine tradition and culture with looking toward the future. It has an ultra-modern design with triangles on the exterior that sparkle in a diamond-like fashion as the sun moves across the sky.

Khalifa International Stadium

Capacity: 40,000

 Matches:

• 5x Group Matches
• 1x Round of 16
• Match for Third Place

Inspiration: One of the only stadiums that wasn’t created for the 2022 World Cup, the Khalifa International Stadium was opened in 1976 and is renowned for its magnificent dual arches.

Stadium 974

Capacity: 40,000

 Matches:

• 5x Group Matches
• 1x Round of 16

Inspiration: Stadium 974 is constructed entirely from modular steel and shipping containers and can be fully dismantled. The construction of this stadium is a nod to Qatar’s reputation as a worldwide trade and maritime hub. 974 is Qatar’s dialing code, as well as the exact number of shipping containers used to construct the stadium.