Al Bayt Stadium
The opening match of the tournament between Qatar and Ecuador will take place at Al Bayt, the second biggest stadium in the country. Its design takes inspiration from Bayt al sha’ar, a type of tent widely used by nomads in Qatar and the Persian Gulf. The Al Bayt, which has a capacity of 60,000, will host nine games in the 2022 World Cup, including one semifinal. Photo by FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Lusail Stadium
With a capacity of 80,000, Lusail is the biggest stadium in Qatar. From the outside, the stadium looks like a giant golden bowl.
"Lusail's shape and facade echo the intricate decorative motifs on bowls and other vessels characteristic of the golden age of art and craftsmanship in the Arab and Islamic world," the FIFA website notes.
Qatar spent $767 million on building the Lusail Stadium. Completed this September, the swanking new stadium will host 10 World Cup matches including the final. Photo by FIFA
Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium
Located right on the edge of the desert, the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium has to contend with a weather problem. The mercury soars very high here, and can affect both players and spectators. Qatar has solved this problem by installing a massive air-conditioning system that keeps the temperature in the stadium at 26 degrees Celsius. The 40,000-capacity stadium will host seven matches of the tournament. Photo by Reuters/John Sibley
Al Janoub Stadium
Al Janoub, another brand new stadium built for the 2022 World Cup, has a futuristic design that actually reflects the past, taking inspiration from Qatar’s traditional dhow boats used for fishing and pearl diving.
After the tournament, its capacity will be reduced from 40,000 to 20,000 and the seats donated to sporting projects in other countries. Al Janoub will host seven World Cup 2022 matches. Photo by FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Al Thumama Stadium
Inspired by gahfiya, the traditional cap worn across the Arab world, the Al Thumama impresses with its dynamic circular form and white exterior that stands out from afar, on the ground and from the sky above. Eight World Cup games will be played at this 40,000-seat stadium. Photo by FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Education City Stadium
This stadium may not have the dramatic features of others hosting the 2022 World Cup matches, but it plays a very important role in the kingdom's future. After the tournament, more amenities will be added to the stadium for educational purposes. Like Al Janoub, the capacity of Education City Stadium will be reduced from 40,000 to 20,000 after the tournament. Photo by FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Khalifa International Stadium
The national stadium of Qatar has hosted many big sporting events since its inauguration in 1976. For the 2022 World Cup, the Khalifa International Stadium has been renovated completely. Its most recognizable feature is the dual arches.
With 40,000 seats, this stadium will host eight matches of the tournament, including the third-place playoff. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Stadium 949
This is perhaps the most unique stadium in World Cup history. It's constructed entirely with shipping containers and modular steel. 974 is the international dialing code for Qatar and also the number of shipping containers used for constructing this stadium.
Stadium 974 is the first fully detachable football stadium. After the tournament, the stadium will be deconstructed and the material will be used for other purposes, showcasing Qatar's commitment to sustainability. The 40,000-capacity stadium will be used for seven World Cup games. Photo by Reuters/Marko Djurica
