The 2022 World Cup is almost here and the host country, Qatar is putting finishing touches on the venues ahead of the prestigious football tournament.
Based on the master plan for the World Cup, Qatar and the world football governing body, FIFA, have agreed that the coming edition of the World Cup would take place in eight venues.
So far, the Qatari government has completed the building of three new stadiums and refurbished two stadiums ahead of the World Cup. Three other stadiums for the tournament are still under construction.
It is expected that all the venues the Qatari government have set aside for the tournament should be ready and handed over to FIFA before the commencement of the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup which is the first World Cup to be held in the Arab world will commence on November 21, 2022, and end on December 18, 2022.
Below are the five stadiums that are ready for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
- Khalifa International Stadium – 45,416 capacity
Khalifa International Stadium is the first stadium that was commissioned for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The refurbished multipurpose stadium which is located in Doha is named after Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s former Emir. The capacity of the stadium is 45,416.
- Al-Janoub Stadium – 40,000 capacity
The second stadium that was launched ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is the Al-Janoub Stadium. It was commissioned on 16 May 2019. The stadium which is located in Al-Wakrah, Qatar can accommodate 40,000 spectators.
- Education City Stadium – 45,350 capacity
The Education City Stadium is located in Al Rayyan, Qatar. It is located in an area where several university campuses are sited. The area is popularly known as Qatar Foundation’s Education City. It can accommodate 45,350 spectators.
- Ahmed bin Ali Stadium – 40,740 capacity
The rebuilding of Ahmed bin Ali Stadium started in 2015. It was upgraded from 21,282 seating capacity to 40,740 seating capacity for the FIFA World Cup. The multi-purpose stadium is located in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
- Al Thumama Stadium – 40,000 capacity
The Al Thumama Stadium is the latest stadium that was launched ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The stadium which is located in Al Thumama, Qatar has the capacity to host up to 40,000 spectators.
Aside from the five stadiums mentioned above, the Qatari government is expected to complete the building of three other stadiums – Ras Abu Aboud, Al Bayt, Lusail ahead of the World Cup.
