World Cup 2023 is scheduled to kick off on 20 November 2023 when hosts Qatar face off against Ecuador. We look at the eight stadiums that will host the competition that will culminate with the final on 18 December.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
This ground located in Al Rayyan can seat 40,000. It was built in 2020 with an architectural design featuring structures in the shape of sand dunes. The stadium will host five group games and one Round of 16 match.
Al Bayt Stadium
Located in Al Khor, this one has a capacity of 60,000. The construction, which was completed in 2013, has seats featuring a modular design. The seats can be dismantled and sent to developing countries after the competition. The venue will host five group matches including the opening one. Additionally, the matches at the stadium will feature one Round of 16, one quarter-final and one semi-final encounter.
Al Janoub
Constructed in 2019, this stadium in Al Wakrah can host 40,000 spectators. The venue will witness five group games and one Round of 16 match of the upcoming World Cup.
Al Thumama Stadium
Currently able to seat 40,000, Doha’s newly constructed Al Thumama Stadium will become a 20,000-seater after the global football event. Designed to resemble Arabic headgear, the venue’s intricate exterior design reflects the city’s culture. Apart from one group game, the stadium will also host one Round of 16 match, and a quarter-final.
| Stadium | Capacity | Location (City) | Important Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmad Bin Ali | 40,000 | Al Rayyan | Belgium vs Canada on 23 November |
| Al Bayt | 60,000 | Al Khor | Opening game: Qatar vs Ecuador on 20 November; Spain vs Germany on 27 November |
| Al Janoub | 40,000 | Al Wakrah | Ghana vs Uruguay on 2 December |
| Al Thumama | 40,000 | Doha | Senegal vs Netherlands on 21 November |
| Education City | 60,000 | Doha | Korea vs Portugal on 2 December |
| Khalifa International | 45,000 | Doha | Croatia vs Canada on 27 November |
| Lusail | 80,000 | Lusail | Brazil vs Serbia on 24 November |
| Stadium 974 | 40,000 | Doha | France vs Denmark on 26 November |
Education City Stadium
As many as 60,000 spectators can watch the matches from Doha’s Education City Stadium. As in the case of Al Thumama, 20,000 seats will be donated to developing countries after the event. The venue will host five group games, one Round of 16 match, and a quarter-final.
Khalifa International
This is Qatar’s national stadium that has hosted many historic events including the Asian Games and the Gulf Cup tournament. The stadium which opened in 1976 underwent renovation in 2017. It can currently seat 45,000 and is readiness to host five group games, a Round of 16 encounter, and the match for third place.
Lusail Stadium
This stadium is expected to be the showpiece of the tournament. Located in Qatar’s capital city Lusail – also referred to as the ‘city of lights’ – the venue can seat 80,000. Built especially for the Cup, the stadium features a domed roof and an architectural style reflecting Arab culture. The ground will host five group matches, in addition to a RO16 game, a quarter-final, a semi-final and the final.
Stadium 974
This is another venue especially constructed to host the World Cup. Made with modular blocks that can be dismantled after the tournament, Stadium 974 is located in Doha. The venue features canopy of transparent glass designed to highlight its natural surroundings. About 40,000 spectators can watch the five group matches and a RO16 game that are scheduled to be played here.
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