World Cup 2022 Stadiums: A guide to Qatar’s football venues

Qatar is the smallest nation to ever host a World Cup - the population of 2.91 million is lower than that of Wales, while its size is equivalent to Yorkshire.

One potential advantage for fans (among many negatives about Qatar’s controversial hosting of the tournament) is that it will be feasible to attend more than one game per day. 

The maximum distance between two World Cup stadiums is 70 kilometres (43.5 miles). Compare that to the 3,042km (1890 miles) in Russia four years ago, or the 4,482km (2,785 miles) in Brazil back in 2014.

The 64 games at the 2022 World Cup will be spread across eight venues, all but one of which has been newly built. Here is some information about every ground.

Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

Location: Al Rayyan
Capacity: 44,740
Number of Games: 7

A stadium on this site was built in 2003 before being demolished and replaced by a completely new ground in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup. Wales will play all three of their group games at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, including their clash with England on November 29.

Al Bayt Stadium

Location: Al Khor
Capacity: 60,000
Number of Games: 9

The Al Bayt Stadium will be the second-most used ground at the 2022 World Cup. It will stage the opening game between Qatar and Ecuador on Sunday, as well as England v USA, Spain v Germany and three knockout ties, including a semi-final.

Al Janoub Stadium

Location: Al-Wakrah
Capacity: 40,000
Number of Games: 7

The southernmost of Qatar’s World Cup venues, Al Janoub Stadium is situated in the city of Al-Wakrah, home to less than 100,000 people (which means the ground could fit in 40% of the local population). Australia will play all three of their group games here, while it will also host a round of 16 match.

Al Thumama Stadium

Location: Doha
Capacity: 40,000
Number of Games: 8

Officially opened a year ago, Al Thumama Stadium is located just a 15-minute drive away from the area considered the centre of Doha. Senegal v Netherlands, Belgium v Morocco and the geopolitical grudge match between the United States and Iran will all be held in the 40,000-seater arena.

Education City Stadium

Location: Al Rayyan
Capacity: 45,350
Number of Games: 8

Education City Stadium is located in the heart of a university district in Al Rayyan. Nicknamed the ‘Diamond in the Desert’, it can house more than 45,000 fans and will be used eight times overall, including for a round of 16 tie and a quarter-final.

Khalifa International Stadium

Location: Al Rayyan
Capacity: 45,416
Number of Games: 8

The oldest of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup stadiums, the Khalifa International Stadium opened in 1976 and has been renovated in the build-up to this tournament. England will play their first match against Iran at this ground in Al Rayyan, while it will also be the venue for the third-place play-off. The 2019 Club World Cup final between Liverpool and Flamengo was staged here.

Lusail Iconic Stadium

Location: Lusail
Capacity: 80,000
Number of Games: 10

With a capacity of 80,000, this is Qatar’s largest stadium. It will host the 2022 World Cup final on December 18, as well as one of the semi-finals and a quarter-final. Argentina will play twice at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in the group phase, while Portugal v Uruguay on November 28 could result in one of the best games of the first round.

Stadium 974

Location: Doha
Capacity: 40,000
Number of Games: 7

Stadium 974 is built out of 974 repurposed shipping containers and will be dismantled immediately after the World Cup. Located a stone’s throw away from Hamad International Airport, the ground will primarily be used in the group stage, hosting matches such as France v Denmark, Brazil v Switzerland and Poland v Argentina.