The 2022 World Cup takes place in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, promising to amaze spectators with its stadiums. There are eight projects in total—some built from scratch, while others are existing structures undergoing renovation.
Below, discover the designs of the eight 2022 World Cup stadiums, presented through renderings released by FIFA in 2020, when construction was still underway.
Lusail Stadium
The stadium hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the final, is being built alongside its host city: Lusail. A $45 billion venture is developing the entire infrastructure around the main stadium of the 2022 World Cup, located 15 km from the capital, Doha. As such, its design was conceived as the centerpiece of this new destination on Qatar's map. With a capacity of 86,000, it is a joint project by Manica Architecture and Foster + Partners.
Al Bayt
The Al Bayt Stadium in the city of Al Khor is inspired by the shape of traditional nomadic tents made of canvas called Bayt Al Sha’ar—from which it also takes its name. These tents were historically used by nomadic peoples in Qatar.
The stadium's predominantly black exterior contrasts with horizontal white stripes, which on original tents indicated the tribe or family to which they belonged. Its red interior also mimics the inside of the tents. It is the largest of the eight stadiums, with a capacity of 60,000, and will host one of the semifinals. The stadium was designed by the Aspire Zone Foundation.
Ras Abu Aboud
The design of the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, by Spanish firm Fenwick Iribarren Architects, generated buzz even before construction began. Built from recycled shipping containers, its rapid construction allows the stadium to be fully disassembled and transported to another location after the event.
Up to 40,000 spectators will be able to watch matches in the venue. Ras Abu Aboud will be situated on a 450,000 m² waterfront site. Its construction uses a series of modular blocks that echo the stadium's industrial port surroundings.
Al Thumama
One of the primary stadiums of the tournament, Al Thumama features a design steeped in Arab culture. Designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim Jaidah, its facade is inspired by the woven pattern of the gahfiya, a traditional white cap worn by men in the region. Its symbolism is tied to the virtues of dignity and freedom, which in this project also connect to Qatar itself.
Located 12 km from the capital, Doha, the stadium will accommodate 40,000 spectators. Another highlight is its state-of-the-art cooling system, which maintains an internal temperature of 18°C (64°F) year-round, allowing the facility to be used in all seasons.
Al Wakrah
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, Al Wakrah was conceived to evoke local maritime traditions, using wave-like patterns on the roof and timber inside to recreate the feeling of being inside a boat. The structural arches of the roof reach up to 230 meters in length. Located in the city of Al Wakrah, the stadium has a capacity of 40,000 and will host matches up to the quarterfinals.
Al Rayyan
A collaborative effort by AECOM, Ramboll, and Pattern Design, this 40,000-capacity stadium features traditional Arab patterns on its facade that mimic the country's landscape. It is located in the city of the same name in the desert suburbs of Doha, on the site of the former Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium. Al Rayyan incorporates photovoltaic panels to optimize energy consumption through on-site solar power generation.
Qatar Foundation
Also known as Education City Stadium, this sports center was designed to inspire knowledge and education—fittingly, as it is surrounded by Qatar's leading universities in Doha. Of its total 40,000-seat capacity, half will be donated to developing countries as a way to promote the sport. Its shape resembles a diamond, reflecting the sun by day and radiating light at night. The project is a collaboration between RFA Fenwick Iribarren Architects and Astad Project Management.
Khalifa International Stadium
The Khalifa International Stadium was one of the existing venues renovated for the 2022 World Cup, with the project led by the Aspire Zone Foundation. Originally built in 1976, it is one of the country's most historic sports centers, having hosted numerous international events. Following the renovation, the stadium received more contemporary and fluid contours. Inside, all spectator areas are protected by a canopy that, combined with other cooling technologies, ensures climate control.
The images accompanying this article are renderings released by the event organizers and architecture firms in 2020, when the stadiums were under construction. You can also view the completed projects, featuring updated photography.
Originally published on July 19, 2018. Updated on November 25, 2022. Via Haus / Gazeta do Povo.
This article was written by Aléxia Saraiva. The translation is powered by AI.
