The Magnificent Stadiums of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

A total of 32 teams have graced the biggest sporting event on earth, and how. The FIFA World Cup Qatar Stadiums 2022 is a global event with mind-boggling fan viewership across the world. The socio-cultural benefits of an event as big as the World Cup, and its vast legacy cannot be underplayed, and the Middle-east will be no exception to it. 

FIFA World Cup 2022 is huge for the Doha peninsula in more ways than one. Qataris identify with sports as a part of their being, so the social impact on the citizens is fever-pitched. This mega event has also played a major role in reshaping the stadium architecture design of the Middle East, especially Qatar. The larger-than-life stadiums are a testament to how sports shape lives. 

This article will take you through the architectural design of these newly built stadiums for they are the talk of the town. Also get to learn about the groups and match schedules. Let’s have a look at what went behind hosting the most expensive FIFA World Cup of all time.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Groups 

All the qualified teams for FIFA World Cup 2022 will be playing in the following groups:

• • Group A : Ecuador, Qatar, Senegal, Netherlands
  • Group B : Iran, England, USA, Wales
  • Group C : Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia
  • Group D : Australia, France, Denmark, Tunisia
  • Group E : Spain, Germany, Costa Rica, Japan
  • Group F : Canada, Belgium, Morocco, Croatia
  • Group G : Serbia, Brazil, Switzerland, Cameroon
  • Group H : Ghana, Portugal, Uruguay, South Korea

FIFA World Cup 2022 Final Dates & Schedule

The Final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 will be held on 18th December 2022. But, before the two most deserving teams reach the ultimate stage they would have to pass the following rounds. 

They are scheduled for these dates: 

• Quarter Finals

  • Quarter-final 1: December 9, Friday
  • Quarter-final 2: December 10, Saturday
  • Quarter-final 3: December 10, Saturday
  • Quarter-final 4: December 11, Sunday

• Semi-Finals

  • Semi-final 1: December 14, Wednesday
  • Semi-final 2: December 15, Thursday

Qatar World Cup Stadiums

8 spectacular stadiums are hosting the most watched sporting event in the world right now. Have a sneak peek at the stunning stadium architecture design inside these state-of-the-art cathedrals of Football. 

• Al Bayt Stadium

This unique Qatar stadiums was destined to host the opening match of the FIFA world cup 2022 right from its first design sketch. Al Bayt stadium architecture design is inspired by the bayt al sha’ar (a mobile home tent) of Qatar’s nomadic people. This stunning tent structure envelops a state-of-the-art football stadium. With a capacity to host 68,895 fans, the stadium was designed by Dar Al-Handasah, the multidisciplinary studio to ensure sustainability remains a centrepiece. 

• Lusail Stadium

Hosting the Final of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Lusail stadium is designed to be an icon of the future. Foster + Partners has curated a venue that will be etched forever in both footballing memory and architectural history. With a capacity of 88,966, Qatar football stadium is bound to leave the fans stunned with its bold yet sleek design. It is a reflection of the hand-crafted bowls commonly found in the Islamic world while the light mirror represents the region’s Fanar lanterns. Keeping in line with Qatar’s ideology of sustainability, the stadium will be transformed into a community space.

• Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

Umm Al Afaei is home to this FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium that speaks volumes about the tales of Qatar and its love for football. Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is located right at the edge of the desert, mirroring the welcoming nature of the Qatari people. The stadium’s design and that of the surrounding buildings exude aspects of local traditions and culture. The façade has been derived from the undulations of sand dunes, while the geometric patterns signify the desert’s beauty, and the native flora and fauna. The stadium capacity is 45,032. 

• Al Janoub Stadium

Al Janoub stadium is inhabited in one of the oldest areas of Qatar, Al Wakrah. This Qatar football stadium represents the city’s rich history yet casts an eye on what lies in the future. A futuristic representation, it comfortably belongs to the category of the most unique stadiums built for the beautiful game. The stadium architecture design exhibits the country’s traditional dhow boats. Boasting a seating capacity of 44,325, the venue is encircled by leisure facilities and a parkland that features sports. This community space will benefit the general public for years to come. 

• Al Thumama Stadium

Out of all the Qatar World Cup stadiums, this one resonates the most with the locals across the region. Its dynamic and imaginative shape is a celebration of the local traditions and culture. The bold, circular exterior design represents Gahfiya – a traditional woven cap of the Arab world. This cap is significant as it represents the ambition and self-confidence of the youth as they take their first steps into the future. The mighty white exteriors stand out among the lush green surroundings. The stadium architecture design is an amalgamation of purpose and inspiration. 

• Education City Stadium

Education City Stadium is a combination of knowledge and Football. An extraordinary venue, it shines brilliantly on Qatar’s position as a hub of academics and dynamic learning across the Arab World. The neighbouring universities ensure that the buzz surrounds cutting-edge research and innovation. The Qatar stadiums avant-garde design merges seamlessly in traditional Islamic architecture. The exteriors are adorned with diamond-like triangles in geometrical patterns that gleam with the sun’s movement. At night, the façade is illuminated with a surprise digital light show. Explore numerous leisure and first-in-class facilities around the campuses. 

• Khalifa International Stadium

Khalifa International Stadium has been privileged to host numerous momentous sporting events after it was inaugurated in 1976. The venue for any sporting event is incomplete without mentioning this Qatar stadiums. Naturally, the Khalifa International Stadium went through a complete makeover for FIFA World Cup 2022. The dual arches; one of the most recognisable features of the stadium remain intact. However, they now boast a wide canopy laid out below them. A modern façade and digital lighting glamorises the entire demeanour. The venue is all set to host the world’s greatest football show. 

• Stadium 974

Stadium 974 is Qatar’s proof of commitment to sustainability merged with cost-effectiveness and a daring design. This Qatar football stadium made history prior to hosting its first match. Stadium 974 is made entirely from modular steel and shipping containers and is the first fully demountable football stadium that is also covered. Not only is the 974, Qatar’s international dialling code but it is also the number of shipping containers used in the construction of this stadium. The venue will later be converted into a dynamic hub for business. Qatar promises that even though the stadium’s physical presence is temporary, the legacy will live on. 

Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for Qatar World Cup 2022

Qatar World Cup 2022 has left the world of football in a frenzy with nail-biting matches at the highest level of the game. Around 3 million tickets have been sold so far which include fans travelling from all over the world. Many have arranged their stay in Qatar. UAE has also made special arrangements on the accommodation and flight front for the fans. 

The United Arab Emirates government introduced a special ‘multiple-entry tourist visa for Qatar World Cup 2022’ for the ‘Hayya’ card holders. For the unversed, the Hayya Card (or a Fan ID Card) is a mandatory document issued by the Qatar Government that has to be presented by anyone who is visiting the country to attend the FIFA World Cup 2022. 

The duration of this multiple-entry tourist visa for the FIFA World Cup Qatar is 90 days. The same can be renewed for another 90 days. The cost of this visa is AED 100, which is a one-time fee. If you are planning to renew the visa, you will need to pay the same fee again. 

Light The Sky!

With the World Cup Final just a hop, skip and jump away, the entire world has its fingers crossed, hoping to see their country hold the Coupe du Monde. FIFA World Cup 2022 has undoubtedly been the centre of attraction for the past few days and would continue to remain so. The game has definitely reached its pinnacle with the highest-ever viewership in history.

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