GUIDE TO THE GROUNDS

Only one of the eight stadiums set to be used at the 2022 World Cup was actually built at the time of Qatar’s successful bid to host the tournament, meaning the Gulf state has had to embark on a huge building programme over the last decade, writes Matthew Ireland.

That hasn’t been without controversy, though, with well-documented reports of migrant-worker deaths during the construction phase.

Stadium 974

An exercise in sustainability, Stadium 974 is the first temporary venue in World Cup history. Constructed using 974 shipping containers and other reusable materials, it will be dismantled after the tournament. Capacity 40,000

Group games Six

Knockout games 1x Last 16

Al Thumama Stadium

Inspired by the gahfiya, a woven cap won by men across the Middle East, the Al Thumama Stadium is the first to be designed by a Qatari, Ibrahim Al Jaidah.

Capacity 40,000

Group games Six

Knockout games 1x L16, 1x QF

Al Bayt Stadium

The furthest venue from downtown Doha, the Al Bayt Stadium has been built to resemble a traditional Arab tent, the bayt al sha’ar. The 60,000-seater stadium has a retractable roof which will be closed to keep out temperatures that can reach close to 30C even in winter. Capacity 60,000

Group games Six

Knockout games 1x L16, 1x QF, 1x SF

The new stadia and redeveloped Khalifa International Stadium are all state-of-the-art facilities with air-conditioning units to keep temperatures as cool as possible for players and supporters.

Most stadiums have a nod to Qatari culture in their design and many will be reduced in capacity after the tournament and elements repurposed with an emphasis on sustainability.

Khalifa International Stadium

The only stadium to have been opened prior to Qatar being awarded the World Cup, the Khalifa International Stadium first opened in 1976 but has been extensively renovated ahead of the tournament. Held the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships, where Briton Dina Asher-Smith won 200m gold. Capacity 45,416

Group games Six

Knockout games 1x L16, 3rd playoff

Education City Stadium

Nicknamed the ‘Diamond in the Desert’, Education City is one of the most environmentally sustainable stadiums in the world. Hosted the final of the 2020 Club World Cup. Capacity 45,000

Group games Six

Knockout games 1x L16, 1x QF

Ahmad bin Ali Stadium

Home to eight-time Qatari champions Al Rayyan SC, the original Ahmad bin Ali Stadium was demolished in 2015. More than 80 per cent of the construction material used on its modern replacement came from the old stadium. Capacity 44,740

Group games Six

Knockout games 1x Last 16

Al Janoub Stadium

Designed by the late Iraqi-British architect Dame Zaha Hadid, who created the London 2012 Aquatics Centre, the Al Janoub Stadium boasts a closing roof inspired the sails of traditional dhow boats. Capacity 40,000

Group games Six

Knockout games 1x Last 16

Lusail Stadium

The jewel of Qatar 2022, the Lusail Stadium will host ten matches including the World Cup final on December 18. The 80,000 capacity venue will be reduced by half after the tournament has ended with the excess seats removed and other parts of the stadium repurposed as a community space with shops, cafes, sporting and education centres, and a health clinic. Another stadium to have a British connection, the Lusail Stadium was designed by London-based architectural firm Fosters and Partners in conjunction with global practice Populous, both of whom were involved in the renovation of Wembley. Capacity 80,000

Group games Six

Knockout games 1x L16, 1x QF,

1x SF, Final

AT 500-1 to win the World Cup and 5-1 simply to qualify for the knockout stages, big things are not expected of tournament hosts Qatar over the next few weeks.

When the draw for the finals was made, only one country – Ghana – was ranked lower than the Gulf state.

But the last 30 years have seen a number of lower-ranked hosts exploit home advantage, an underdog spirit and maybe a contentious refereeing decision or two to defy the odds, so who’s to say Qatar can’t do a South Korea rather than a South Africa?