Table of Contents
Introduction
A few days are left to witness the largest ever tournament on the Earth which is going to take place in Qatar this time. FIFA World Cup 2022 wil be held from November 20 to December 18.
This FIFA World Cup is special because a Middle Eastern Country is going to host it. Moreover, due t climate conditions in summer tournament was shifted to winter months.
A total of eight stadiums spread across five different Qatari cities will host 32 teams in 64 matches during the FIFA World Cup 2022. All the venues are located within a 35-km radius.
The organizers confirmed that they are aiming to keep the stadiums’ temperature at 18-24 degrees Celsius. The mastermind behind cooling systems in stadiums is Dr. Saud Abdulaziz Abdul Ghani, who is called ‘Dr. Cool’ for his major contributions to the stadiums’ cooling system. Dr. Saud has joined the 2022 World Cup project in 2009 when the country was in bidding process.
FIFA World Cup 2022 Stadiums and Venues:
Lusail Stadium
Capacity: 80,000 People
Matches: Final, 6 group stage matches, 1 round of 16 match, 1 quarterfinal match, 1 semifinal match.
Significance: The largest stadium in the Middle East, it will be partially deconstructed after the World Cup to make room for public space and athletics facilities.
Crucial Matches: People will witness some biggest names at this biggest venue. Moreover the FIFA World Cup final on December 18 wil be hosted here, Lionel Messi and Argentina have two games (including one against Mexico), as do Neymar and Brazil. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will light it up against Uruguay’s all-star cast.
Al Bayt Stadium
Capacity: 60,000 People
Matches: First match, 5 other group stage matches, 1 round of 16 match, 1 quarterfinal match, 1 semifinal match.
Significance: The tournament’s only venue with a retractable roof, the design invokes black and white striped tent used by Qatar’s nomadic people.
Crucial Matches: Aside from the curtain raiser, England vs. United States (Nov. 25) and Spain vs. Germany(Nov. 27) will be the must watch.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Capacity: 40,000 People
Matches: 6 group stage matches, 1 round of 16 match.
Notable for: Built on the site of a demolished stadium of the same name, it has hosted games at the 2020 Club World Cup and the 2021 Arab Cup.
Crucial Matches: USMNT will challenge Wales(Nov. 21), with Gareth Bale’s Wales then clashing with England (Nov. 29).
Al Janoub Stadium
Capacity: 40,000 People
Matches: 6 group stage matches, 1 round of 16 match.
Significance: The design invokes the wind-filled sails of Qatar’s traditional “dhow” boats in tribute to the region’s fishing and pearl diving past.
Crucial Matches: Australia play all three group matches here, including against defending champions France(Nov 22). Then there’s Uruguay vs. Ghana on Dec. 2 in a rematch of an epic (and controversial) quarterfinal classic in 2010, when Luis Suarez was sent off for handball on the goalline.
Al Thumama Stadium
Capacity: 40,000 People
Matches: 6 group stage matches, 1 round of 16 match, 1 quarterfinal match
Significance: Envisioned to look a “GAHFIYA,” the traditional woven cap worn across the Arab world.
Crucial Matches: Belgium vs. Morocco (Nov. 27) will be one of the bigger games, and then there’s USMNT vs. Iran on Nov. 29, a rematch of a notable 1998 World Cup game.
Education City Stadium
Capacity: 40,000 People
Matches: 6 group stage matches, 1 round of 16 match, 1 quarterfinal match
Signficance: Known as the “Diamond in the Desert,” it has hosted games at the 2020 Club World Cup and 2021 Arab Cup.
Crucial Matches: South Korea, led by Son Heung-Min, will square up against Uruguay (Nov. 24) and Portugal (Dec. 2). France will play Tunisia on Nov. 30.
Khalifa International Stadium
Capacity: 40,000 People
Planned matches: Third-place match, 6 group stage matches, 1 round of 16 match
Notable for: Built in 1976 and fully renovated for the World Cup, the tournament’s oldest venue has previously hosted the Club World Cup, the Asian Games and the AFC Asian Cup.
Crucial Matches: England begin their tournament campaign against Iran on Nov. 21, while Japan will have some big tests against Spain (Nov. 23) and Germany (Dec. 1).
Stadium 974
Capacity: 40,000 People
Planned matches: 6 group stage matches, 1 round of 16 match
Notable for: The name is derived from the 974 steel containers used to build the first completely temporary venue in World Cup history, which will be dismantled afterward.
Crucial Matches: Poland under leadership of Robert Lewandowski face Mexico (Nov. 22) and Argentina (Nov. 30). Moreover, Portugal, France and Brazil all play a group stage match here.
F&Qs
Which is the No 1 football stadium in the world?
Wembley Stadium(London)
Which country has most football stadiums?
United States (917 stadiums)
Who is the No 1 club in football?
Real Madrid, The club is roughly estimated to be worth $5.1billion as of 2022.