-
Eight stadia will be used for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
-
Seven of the FIFA World Cup stadiums 2022 have opened since 2019
-
Read below for more information on each of the venues being used at this winter’s tournament
The eight World Cup stadiums in Qatar will be the centre of online football betting later this year. Eyes from all over the globe will be focused on these venues from 21st November to 18th December 2022.
This has been one of the most controversial World Cups ever, and the stadiums have often been at the centre of that debate.
Years before the sports betting action got underway, the microscope was on Qatar as it tried to become a viable World Cup host and build several massive stadia in a short period.
Ideally, these stadiums won’t have an impact on World Cup odds, particularly if the cooling systems are effective.
It remains to be seen what the crowds are like in Doha and beyond, but the venues themselves are thought to be state-of-the-art.
Let’s run down the eight stadia set to be used at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Lusail Iconic Stadium
The venue that will give the ultimate answer to World Cup predictions when it hosts the final on 18th December 2022, Lusail Iconic Stadium has a capacity of 80,000.
This is the largest stadium in the country, and is located under 20 miles away from Doha.
Designed by a British company, Lusail Stadium’s conversion began back in 2017 and ground broke in 2017.
With this being an oversized arena in non-World Cup years, it’s expected to become a 40,000-seater in 2023 after hosting several group games and knockout matches at the tournament.
Al Bayt Stadium
Slightly further away from Doha in Al-Kohr, Al Bayt Stadium is another mega-venue with a capacity of 60,000.
Designed by Dar Al-Handasah, this is going to follow a similar path to the Lusail Stadium with the capacity set to be almost halved following the 2022 World Cup.
Its structure is similar to that of a tent with the four peaks covered in PTFE. A retractable roof is also an important feature given the soaring temperatures in Qatar.
Al Bayt Stadium will host the opening match of the tournament and fixtures in each of the knockout rounds.
Stadium 974
Previously known as Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, Stadium 974 will be dismantled after the World Cup.
The 40,000-seater venue has already hosted matches in the 2021 Arab Cup, and is lined up for six group matches and the last 16 fixture between the winners of Group G and the runners-up in Group H.
The design incorporates shipping containers as a nod to the area’s history, some of which house stadium facilities.
Al Thumama Stadium
Like several other FIFA World Cup stadiums 2022, Al Thumama was first seen in action during the 2021 Arab Cup.
The eye-catching design is modelled on the traditional taqiyah hat – it’s certainly a unique look, and stands out especially against the night sky.
With a 40,000 capacity, Al Thumama Stadium isn’t going to be the same after the World Cup. Half of the seats will be removed (a theme which runs through the majority of these venues) and donated to other countries.
Education City Stadium
Education City Stadium has a capacity of just over 45,000, making it the third largest in use at the 2022 Men’s World Cup.
Around 20,000 seats will be removed after the tournament, however, leaving a capacity of 25,000 for university athletic teams.
Receiving awards for its sustainability, Education City Stadium has also earned the ‘Diamond in the Desert’ nickname.
There was a delay in its opening, meaning 2019 Club World Cup matches had to be held elsewhere, but the stadium has been in action during the 2020 Club World Cup and the 2020 AFC Champions League.
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
While the Ahman bin Ali Stadium has existed since 2003, it was completely rebuilt between 2016 and 2018, over doubling the capacity and modernising the facilities throughout the complex.
The home of Al-Rayyan will host six group matches and a last 16 contest in the 2022 World Cup.
Following the tournament, it will go back to its previous capacity of around 21,000 seats. The experience in the ground will still be much-improved, including a vast media façade.
Khalifa International Stadium
First opened in 1976, the Khalifa International Stadium was obviously heavily renovated for the 2022 Men’s World Cup.
The capacity is a little north of 45,000 heading into the tournament after plans to add another 23,000 seats were shelved.
Host of the 2011 Asian Cup final and some high-profile friendlies, Khalifa International Stadium doesn’t have a quarter or semi-final match at the World Cup, but it will be the venue for the third place playoff.
Al Janoub Stadium
Similar to the design of the World Cup ball, the Al Janoub stadium took inspiration from dhow boats. It’s the home stadium of Al-Wakrah, though the 40,000 capacity will be cut in half after the World Cup has been completed.
Part of a larger sports complex, Al Janoub Stadium is an ambitious project.
The Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy described the process of designing and building the stadium as follows, "detailed micro-climate analysis informed the arena's shape, with aerodynamics and optimal shading from the roof, which incorporates a minimal amount of glass, making a significant contribution to temperature control."
Al Janoub Stadium hosts several group matches and a last 16 fixture.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
