After the 2022 World Cup was announced to take place in Qatar, it was unclear as how this could work, but after our journey to Doha, we can say that is has been a great experience so far, and the organization has been spot on. We’ve already visited 4 out of 8 venues of the tournament. Let’s take a look at this World Class stages!
Stadium 974
This particular venue offers some of the best views to the bay, and has a very unique style. The number “974” refers to the quantity of shipping containers used to build the stadium, hence the name that goes along with a stunning, modern industrial style facade.
To make your way to the stadium you have to make a long trek along the coastal pathways that get you to the main esplanade of the venue.
Once inside, the fans and the atmosphere is everything you could ask for, since the sound of fans tremble along the containers and you can feel the beat in every chant of the crowd.
We witnessed the game between Mexico and Poland, and since ‘El Tri’ was one of the most followed teams on the tournament, the crowd roared, and the stadium trembled after THAT penalty save from Guillermo Ochoa.
Al Thumama Stadium
Al Thumama stadium is located near the airport, and is a very accessible venue that does not require a lot of walking. The Qatar FA grounds surround the stadium so you can feel the football atmosphere since before entry.
A Beautiful Arabic facade can be admired on the outside of the venue, and clean and flawless interiors await at every point of entry. Once inside, an air conditioned venue will make you feel comfortable and ready for football.
The Spain vs Costa Rica match was on the menu, and with a total of 7 goals scored, the Spanish crowd was ecstatic and joyful for the entirety of the match, singing along to “Qué pasará, que misterio habrá, puede ser mi gran noche”
Al Bayt Stadium
One of the major and bigger venues in Qatar, this rectangular and enclosed stadium is truly one of a kind. *The opening match was played in this stadium.
Getting to Al Bayt was one of the most challenging parts of the trip, since this is one of the furthest venues of the tournament. (Around 60km+ from downtown), and even when you get there, you still have to walk approximately 30 minutes more to enter the stadium.
The logistics after the game are well organized, and you can hop in one of the buses that will take you straight to the nearest metro station in a 30 min bus ride.
The clash between England and USA was the main course of our visit, and the crowd was supportive and respectful, even tough this game lacked goals! So is it football, or soccer?
Lusail Stadium
The crown jewel of the tournament, and its biggest venue is located in Lusail, and its lights can be seen from a mile away! This stunning, one of a kind stadium displays a blend of Arabian decor with modern architecture, and holds over 80,000 fans.
It’s not very difficult to get to this venue by metro, since there is a station right besides it, but a taxi drop off can be a 20 minute additional walking time to the stadium points of entry.
One of the issues encountered at the venue is that since attendance is high in numbers, the hospitality zone gets packed, and if you don’t make it there early there’s a chance you wont make it inside.
In Lusail we attended one of the best games of the first round, between two of the biggest fan groups of the tournament; Mexico and Argentina, and the stadium roared every minute of the 90 in a very emotional game, which was certainly one to remember at the 2022 World Cup.
There is still knockout games to come and four more stadiums to attend to: Education City, Ahmed Bin Ali, Khalifa International, Al Janoub, but is safe to say that one of the main attractions of this World Cup have been this incredible venues that did not disappoint, and will amaze more than one.
If you want to read more about the city of Doha and our trip to the 2022 World Cup CLICK HERE
