2022 World Cup, the 22nd edition of FIFA World Cup, quadrennial international men’s football championship is scheduled to take place in Qatar. It is the first-ever World Cup that is to be held in Arab Country, since 2002 Japan and South Korean tournament, and 2018 Yekaterinburg competition.
When Is It Taking Place?
The Qatar World Cup tournaments will take place from 21 November to 18 December 2022. So, with this, for the first time in World Cup history, the football fanatics will get a chance to witness the world’s best teams coming together to compete under winter season.
In addition, it is the last tournament to involve 32 teams. The number of teams can also expand to 48, but it is still yet to be confirmed.
Irrespective of a number of teams, one thing is quite certain; Qatar is going to qualify as a nation for hosting sport’s biggest and 88-year old tournament.
Where Will Be Matches Played?
Designed by some of the leading architects, German Architect Albert Speer & Partners, the stadiums proposed for 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar includes:
Al Bayt Stadium
- 60,000 seats. Under Construction and opening up in 2019.
Al Rayyan Stadium
40,000 seats (Expanded for World Cup). This stadium will be built on the site of former Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium. 90% of the materials that are generated from its demolition will be re-used for the new stadium or any public art project.
Al Wakhra Stadium
40,000 seats. Under Construction and opening up in 2019. As of 2018, the stadiums lower bowl has been poured, and massive roof pillars are also installed.
Al Thumama Stadium
Under Construction. Designed by Ibrahim M Jaidah, this stadium will feature a woven pattern that is inspired by the cap worn by Arab men.
Khalifa International Stadium
40,000 seats.
Qatar Foundation System
40,000 seats and opening in 2021. The structure of this stadium is designed to depict Islamic architecture. Both interior and exterior will have triangular panels whose patterns will shift throughout the day, depending on the position of the sun.
Lusail Stadium
80,000 seats and opening up in 2021.
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, this stadium is constructed from modified shipping containers that sit within a steel framework. This approach allows its quick assembly and disassembly following the conclusion of the event.
Every stadium will have a unique design and will represent Qatar’s history and culture. The stadiums also aim to employ four priorities including comfort, accessibility, sustainability, and legacy.
Comfort
The stadiums will leverage cooling technology that will reduce the temperatures by 20 degrees Celsius. Upper tiers of stadiums will also be disassembled and donated to the countries that have a less developed infrastructure.
The walkways, metro and rail links are shaded making the journeys smooth and the environment- friendly throughout the match day.
Accessibility
Stadiums are accessible to everyone, even to visitors with disabilities. The locations will also have wheelchair ramps, lifts, accessible seating areas, which will offer best views of the match.
Sustainability
Qatar’s main aim is to build zero waste stadiums and implement ecologically low energy, renewable, and sustainable solutions. The country is also working towards Global Sustainability Assessment System certification for all stadiums. Even the cooling systems are environment friendly, which will overcome the nature issues of the country.
Legacy
The stadiums set up for Qatar World Cup 2022 will give the Middle East a set of world-class stadiums. Most of them are equipped with modular seating that will be removed post World Cup so that they can be given to other football projects across the globe. This approach is definite to extend the stadium’s legacy further.
On the other hand, the stadiums can also be used for future events like Qatar’s local culture and sports events.
None of the stadiums is in more than 35kms from the capital, Doha.
When The World Cup Qualifying Will Begin?
Qatar, being the host will have an automatic place and will compete at the World Cup for first time.
According to current plans, Europe will have 13 qualifying slots, which is the largest of any region. However, the draw for qualifying is scheduled to take place in July 2019.
Training Facilities for Teams
All the teams that are competing at the 2022 World Cup will have first-class training facilities so that they can play at their best during the tournament. The teams will also be provided with gyms and massage facilities. Further, there will be spaces known as tactics rooms that will help them review their performances and plan for upcoming games.
What Can Football Fans Expect From 2022 World Cup?
During the 2018 World Cup, the fans enjoyed their alcohol with matches, and breweries were simply unable to meet the demand.
However, in Qatar, drinking alcohol is not permitted in public places. But for the 2022 World Cup, Doha has planned to set up some places for people to drink a pint. So, the fans can drink alcohol, but only in controlled sites that will be located at an hour away from stadiums.
Although homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, still Al Thawadi says that everybody is welcome.
In an interview with Russia Today, he also added that “We are used hosting major events and welcoming people from different walks of life and different parts of the world into our country.”
“Simply put, everybody’s welcome; everybody will be having a good time.”
Qatar Invites Volunteers to Prepare For 2022 World Cup
Football fans from across the world are invited to register for volunteering to prepare for the 2022 World Cup. The volunteers can contribute towards numerous milestones including test events, event management, marketing, communications, stadium launches, and more.
As of 3rd September 2018, 12,000 people have signed up as volunteers, and first 22 volunteers are from different countries including Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Qatar, Pakistan, Bahrain, Sudan, Yemen, Turkey, Somalia, and Tunisia.
According to BBC, the events will be in Qatar, but the matches could be played in other Gulf countries including Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.
