In December 2010, Qatar made history by winning the right to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 and became the first Middle Eastern country to do so. In the years since, the country has used this opportunity to not only work on developing an exceptional experience for the fans, but also to create a lasting legacy for Qatar, the Middle East, Asia, and the world
Designed by leading architects from around the world, these unique stadiums take inspiration from Qatari history and culture and are built to serve many generations to come.
01: Khalifa International Stadium
Originally built in 1976, the Khalifa International Stadium has played a crucial role in Qatar’s sporting history. It is the home stadium of the Qatar National Team and previously hosted the Asian Games, the Gulf Cup, the AFC Asian Cup, and many others. Renovated in 2017, the 40,000-seat arena is ready to host matches up to the quarter-final stages.
02: Al Janoub Stadium
Al Wakrah’s illustrious, seafaring past and the curves of the dhow boats scattered across its docks inspired architect Dame Zaha Hadid’s design for the 40,000-seat Al Janoub Stadium. It opened in May 2019 by hosting the final of the Amir Cup.
3: Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City
Inspired by the nomadic people who used to live in Qatar’s deserts, this 60,000-seat stadium is covered by a giant tent structure. Like a true nomad’s tent, it is also portable; after the tournament is done, the upper tier of seating will be packed up and donated to developing nations that need better sporting infrastructure.
04: Al Rayyan Stadium
Built on the site of Al Rayyan Sports Club’s old venue, Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, the new 40,000-seat Al Rayyan Stadium incorporates symbols of Qatari culture into its spectacular facade. The facilities surrounding the venue also mirror the country, with sand dune-shaped structures recalling the beautiful wild lands to the west.
05: Education City Stadium
Minutes away from the leading schools, universities, and research hubs of Education City, this 40,000-seat stadium’s design is based on complex, diamond-esque geometrical patterns that appear to change color with the sun’s movement across the sky.
06: Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
Constructed using shipping containers, removable seats, and other modular “building blocks,” not only does this 40,000-seat venue have a remarkable design, but it will also be entirely dismantled and repurposed after the tournament.
Its parts will be used in other sporting or non-sporting projects, setting a new standard in sustainability and introducing bold new ideas in tournament legacy planning.
07: Al Thumama Stadium
With a design inspired by the gahfiya, a traditional woven cap worn by males across the Middle East, the 40,000-seat Al Thumama Stadium is a nod to Qatar’s past and a glimpse of its future.
08: Lusail Stadium
This 80,000-seat venue is the centerpiece of Lusail City, a newly built metropolis where the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar will both open and conclude. The design of the Lusail Stadium is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow that characterizes the fanar lantern.
