Football fans across the globe are counting down the months until the holiday season, which brings along the most anticipated event in football. The first-ever winter edition of the FIFA World Cup begins on November 20, 2022, in Qatar. As the nation prepares to host the 22nd edition of the tournament, the FIFA World Cup’s enduring appeal can be attributed to its highly entertaining nature and its success in uniting fans from all walks of life. Several things promise to make the FIFA World Cup 2022 a genuinely memorable extravaganza, including the state-of-the-art arenas situated in stunning cities that artfully blend Qatar’s rich heritage with cutting-edge technology.
Let’s take a look at four of the most impressive World Cup venues and the stunning cities that host them:
Al Bayt Stadium
Just 50 kilometers from Qatar’s capital Doha, the city of Al Khor is a fascinating blend of the modern and the ancient. The metropolis is home to the Al Thakira Natural Reserve and the Al Khor Towers. Farkeh Beach is at a comfortable distance of 7 kilometers from the Al Bayt Stadium, which is set to host the opening game between Qatar and Ecuador.
The Al Bayt Stadium is modeled like a typical Bedouin tent (Bayt al sha’ar), which is a sign of hospitality in the Arab World. The venue will also see
- England takes on the United States
- Spain takes on Germany
- As well as ties from the round of 16
- The quarterfinals
- The tournament semi-finals
Al Janoub Stadium
Powered by the latest information and communication technology, the Al Janoub stadium aims to deliver a world-class experience to fans and players. The stadium is conceptualized after the design of traditional Dhow boats, which local pearl divers use. At the Al Janoub stadium, the Socceroos will face France and later Tunisia, with many online betting sites in Australia highly tipping Kylian Mbappe’s side to go all the way to the finals. The magnificent stadium is nestled in the city of Al Wakrah, which is peppered with traditional souks and upscale shopping malls. The nearest place to eat and shop before heading to the stadium is the architectural marvel, Ezdan Mall.
Stadium 974
Six games will be played at the stadium during the tournament, including Group C featuring Argentina, led by Messi, and Poland, captained by Lewandowski. Stadium 974, situated in the heart of Ras Abu Aboud, was built from 974 recycled shipping containers as a tribute to the city’s rich industrial past. In the history of the FIFA World Cup, this will be the first time a tournament venue has been designed to be demountable.
Nearby attractions are aplenty. The National Museum of Qatar is only four kilometers from the stadium, so spectators interested in learning more about Qatar’s heritage can easily make the trip. Other popular tourist destinations near the stadium are the Katara Cultural Village and the city’s iconic beach, both expected to attract thousands of tourists over the World Cup.
Lusail Stadium
The Lusail stadium has a seating capacity of 80,000 and is set to host the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With a design steeped in Qatari culture and motifs, this mega stadium is situated in the environmentally progressive “smart city” of Lusail. Place Vendome, Qatar’s most prominent luxury mall, is located 2.5 kilometers from Lusail Stadium and will be a major draw for anyone attending. Only a short distance from the stadium is Lusail Marina, which will undoubtedly be one of the many highlights of touring Qatar after the game, all lit up with dazzling lights and that beautiful water fountain.
Featured Image by 20381303 from Pixabay
