With just 10 months to go until footballs’ biggest tournament takes centre stage again. This year the World Cup will take place in Qatar, the first time the tournament will be held in the Middle East and Arab world. With eight state of the art stadiums to enjoy all the action, each with advanced cooling technologies to ensure comfortable temperatures for players and fans, it’s a great opportunity for corporate groups to attend more than one match per day during the group stage. Below is our handy guide to the stadiums to help you plan your programme.
Teams: 32 / Playing venues: 8 / Matches: 65
Average venue capacity: 47,500 seats
Largest venue: Lusail Stadium (80,000 seats)
Smallest venue: multiple venues (40,000 seats)
Average no. of matches per venue: 8.1
Lusail Stadium, Lusail – home to the Final
Capacity: 80,000
Distance from airport (Doha) to stadium: 20.4KM
With all eyes on this flagship stadium, it will play home to 5 Group Matches, 1 Round of 16, a Quarter and a Semi Final match in the lead up to the grand Final on 18th December 2022. Embodying Arab culture, the stadium is inspired by the fanar lantern, with its shape and façade recreating the decorative motifs on bowls and other art pieces synonymous with the Arab and Islamic world.
The City
A newly developed region on the northern edge of Doha on the Persian Gulf coast, Lusail city is a pioneer for sustainability. With plentiful green spaces, the city will be home to 200,000 people with the focus on living in harmony with the local environment.
Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor – home to the opening match
Capacity: 60,000
Distance from airport (Doha) to stadium: 53.4KM
Built in the shape of a traditional Bedouin tent, the Al Bayt stadium fuses modern design with ancient tradition. There will be 5 Group Matches, 1 round 16, 1 Quarter Final and 1 Semi Final played here. The stadium can be accessed by car or taxi and the Metro. The stadium uses green building materials and the latest technology to preserve energy and water.
The City
The nearby town of Al Khor is ideal for nature lovers with pearl diving and fishing both readily available along with kayaking tours around the Al Thakira mangroves.
Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
Capacity: 40,000
Distance from airport (Doha) to stadium: 11.5KM
The Al Janoub stadium opened in 2019 playing host to the Amir cup final. Inspired by the dhow boats traditionally used for pearl diving and fishing synonymous with the Al Wakrah region, the Al Janoub stadium will host 5 Group Matches and 1 Round of 16 during the World Cup.
The City
Al Wakrah, one of Qatar’s oldest continuously inhabited areas, is a great place to visit during the World Cup. Stunning architecture and beautiful parkland make this city a visual feast. Get lost in souq or discover the area’s rich history at a museum or take in the beauty with a stroll along the waterfront.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
Capacity: 40,000
Distance from airport to stadium: 35KM
Opening for the first time in December 2020, the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium is located at the gateway to desert. With symbols of Qatari culture incorporated into its façade and with sand dune-shaped sculptures surrounding the stadium, the stadium represents the rich culture of Qatar. Home to the hugely popular football team, Al Rayyan Sports Club, the stadium will host 5 Group Matches a 1 Round of 16 during the World Cup.
The City
One of Qatar’s most historic cities, Al Rayyan is the gateway to stunning desert landscapes. The city itself is steeped in history with fortresses, museums and historical landmarks just waiting to be explored. Head out to the city borders and you’ll find the Musfur Sinkhole, one of Qatar’s deepest caves.
One of Qatar’s most historic cities, Al Rayyan is the gateway to stunning desert landscapes. The city itself is steeped in history with fortresses, museums and historical landmarks just waiting to be explored. Head out to the city borders and you’ll find the Musfur Sinkhole, one of Qatar’s deepest caves.
Khalifa International Stadium, Doha
Capacity: 40,000
Distance from airport to stadium: 22.8KM
Built in 1976, the Khalifa International Stadium has already paid host to the Asian Games, the Arabian Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup. Located at the centre of all the 2022 venues, this impressive stadium will play host to 5 Group Matches, 1 Round of 16 and third place play off. In 2017 the stadium reopened following some changes including a new ultramodern shape and a canopy now protecting all seating areas with further climate control delivered by advanced colling technologies.
Education City Stadium, Doha
Capacity: 40,000
Distance from airport to stadium: 20.9KM
Surrounded by leading universities, Education City Stadium will play host to 5 Group Matches, 1 Round of 16 and 1 Quarter Final.
Stadium 974, Doha
Capacity: 40,000
Distance from airport to stadium: 9KM
This modular stadium contains 974 shipping containers which is the international dialling code for Qatar and also links to the sites industrial history, after the tournament the stadium will be entirely dismantled and repurposed – it is the first temporary venue in the history of the World Cup. Stadium 974 will play host to 5 Group Matches and 1 Round of 16 match.
Al Thumama Stadium, Doha
Capacity: 40,000
Distance from airport to stadium: 9KM
The intricate design of the Al Thumama Stadium represents the gahfiya – a traditional woven cap worn by men and boys across the Middle East. The stadium will play host to 5 Group Matches, 1 Round of 16 and 1 Quarter Final.
The City
A multicultural city, Doha is the shining jewel of Qatar. Spend an afternoon wondering the souk and see what purchases you can make. For a more modern shopping experience, there are plenty of malls to choose from or for a more cultural experience take a trip to the futuristic Education City or the National Museum. The Corniche offers stunning views of the harbour along with beautiful architecture to admire.
A multicultural city, Doha is the shining jewel of Qatar. Spend an afternoon wondering the souk and see what purchases you can make. For a more modern shopping experience, there are plenty of malls to choose from or for a more cultural experience take a trip to the futuristic Education City or the National Museum. The Corniche offers stunning views of the harbour along with beautiful architecture to admire.