We filmed Qatar’s World Cup stadiums while living there and watching the preparations take shape. The tournament has now become part of the country’s history, so this article has been updated as a record of that tour rather than a preview of an upcoming event.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup ran from 20 November to 18 December, with 32 teams, 64 matches and eight stadiums. See FIFA’s tournament record and the Qatar Government stadium guide. This article was reviewed on 6 November 2026.

The video was filmed before the World Cup. Construction updates, capacities, projected opening dates and future-use plans mentioned in it are historical.

Khalifa International Stadium

The twin arches made Khalifa one of the easiest stadiums for us to recognise. Our video records the venue and the surrounding Aspire area before the tournament. Aspire Park and Villaggio were nearby places to combine with an outing.

See our original Khalifa International Stadium post.

Al Janoub Stadium

The dhow-inspired design reflects Al Wakrah’s connection with the sea. We enjoyed exploring this part of Qatar, including the souq and coastline. See our Al Wakrah guide for the wider area.

See our original Al Janoub Stadium post.

Education City Stadium

The geometric exterior was particularly striking as the light changed. Our original guide paired it with Education City’s parks, library and cultural places. Check each venue’s current access arrangements before planning a combined visit.

See our original Education City Stadium post.

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

In Al Rayyan, the patterned exterior and surrounding forms stood out against the desert setting. The Mall of Qatar was a nearby stop on our route. Our film captures the stadium as we saw it during preparations.

See our original Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium post.

Al Bayt Stadium

The tent-inspired structure in Al Khor was one of the most memorable buildings in our tour. Al Bayt hosted the opening ceremony and first match of the 2022 World Cup. The earlier article incorrectly assigned the opening ceremony to Lusail.

See our original Al Bayt Stadium post.

Stadium 974

Our original film called this venue Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, its earlier name. It hosted the tournament as Stadium 974, with shipping containers forming a distinctive part of its design. Plans for later reuse should not be confused with confirmation that work has happened.

See our original Stadium 974 post.

Al Thumama Stadium

Its design draws on the gahfiya cap worn in the region. We filmed it before the tournament, when construction and opening plans were still being discussed. It went on to be one of the eight World Cup venues.

See our original Al Thumama Stadium post.

Lusail Stadium

The golden exterior made Lusail a memorable final stop in our stadium tour. It hosted the World Cup final on 18 December 2022. Our old predictions about its opening and future conversion have been removed; they were plans rather than current visitor information.

See our original Lusail Stadium post.

Planning a visit today

Check the individual venue or event organiser for access, tours and tickets. A stadium’s appearance in our film does not mean it is open for casual entry. We have removed projected seat donations and conversions as statements of completed fact.

For more of our Qatar years, read our first impressions or watch our Qatar playlist.