The stadiums
Eight stadiums will be used for the finals, all within a 21-mile radius of Doha
AL BAYT STADIUM
Let’s start at the northern edges of the tournament with the impressive stadium at Al Khor, a 40-minute drive from the capital. This 60,000-seater arena is the second biggest in the World Cup with a retractable roof and a design meant to resemble a traditional Arab tent. It will host nine games in total, including a semi-final and Qatar’s first-ever appearance on the global stage against Ecuador on November 21, as well as the eagerly-awaited Group E clash between European heavyweights Germany and Spain.
LUSAIL STADIUM
Not far to the south of Al Khor is the flagship venue, completed behind schedule but completed nonetheless. A few miles north of the capital, most of the 80,000 seats in the arena, the design of which was based on Middle East art, will be dismantled after it hosts the final and then given to developing countries. Brazil and Argentina will start their campaigns here against Serbia and Saudi Arabia respectively.
EDUCATION CITY STADIUM
Unsurprisingly, given its name, this ground is surrounded by universities in Al Rayyan. The geometrically-designed venue known as the “Diamond in the Desert” has already been well-used in tournaments such as the Arab Cup with supporters enjoying the action close to the pitch. Half of its 40,000 seats will be sent elsewhere once the World Cup ends but it all starts with Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.
AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM
Formally known as the Al Rayyan Stadium after the team, formerly dominant in Qatar, who have long played there. This 40,000-seater
Temporary….Stadium 974 arena has been rebuilt and will, like most of the others, be reduced in capacity later. Its design is meant to resemble sand dunes, the beauty of the desert and native flora and fauna. Seven games will take place here, including three in Group B, featuring England, Iran, USA and Wales.
KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM
All the big sporting events used to be staged in this arena that was first opened in1976 but has now been renovated. A part of the city’s landscape with the distinctive Torch hotel next door, it has played host to some big games but nothing like the World Cup and the first will be England’s clash with Iran. It will also stage the third-place play-off.
AL THUMAMA STADIUM
Located south of Doha, this eye-catching arena that is designed to look like the gahfiya, traditional Arabic headwear, will host the first game of the competition when Senegal take on the Netherlands.
STADIUM 974
Formerly known as the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, this arena is made up of 974 shipping containers (that number is also Qatar’s international country telephone code) and is a temporary venue that will be fully dismantled after the party leaves town. The party begins with Mexico taking on Poland and ends with a game in the round of16.
AL JANOUB STADIUM
This futuristic-looking stadium, with its sleek design that was inspired by the dhow boats that can be seen off the country’s coastline, also has a retractable roof. It will be home to Al Wakrah Sports Club with a reduced 20,000 capacity. France begin their title defence here.