The 2022 Qatar World Cup stadiums are a huge talking point for soccer’s biggest tournament. Heck, there are plenty of talking points, whether it’s the sex ban, the alcohol ban, the LGBTQ+ controversies, the first-ever winter World Cup or the appalling working conditions for building the stadiums that the games will be played in.
Qatar is a big old mess and we’ll be the first to acknowledge it. Despite all the controversy the games will go on. Here’s a look at the eight Qatar World Cup stadiums ranked from worst to best.
2022 Qatar World Cup Stadiums Ranked
*indicates a stadium the U.S. will play in
All the Qatar World Cup stadiums are within driving distance from each other. The eight stadiums are within a 35-mile radius of the capital Doha.
#8. Stadium 974
- Capacity: 40,000
- Location: Doha
- Year Constructed: 2021
When Stadium 974 was first revealed we absolutely hated it. Now that some months have passed, we can admit it’s still a piece of crap.
Made of 974 shipping containers, the venue is unique in that it’s temporary and can be dismantled and rebuilt. The idea for Stadium 974 is for it to be used for the World Cup and then redistributed to the under-developed countries of the world.
So basically, it’s a giant tinker toy set that looks like a shipping yard. Sick.
Games Being Played At Stadium 974:
- Mexico vs. Poland
- Portugal vs. Ghana
- France vs. Denmark
- Brazil vs. Switzerland
- Poland vs. Argentina
- Serbia vs. Switzerland
- 1 Round of 16 Game
#7. Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan Stadium)*
- Capacity: 40,000
- Location: Al Rayyan
- Year Constructed: 2020
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium is the furthest east stadium and sits at the edge of the desert. The venue is also called Al Rayyan Stadium as it is the home ground for Al Rayyan SC. After the World Cup, the stadium will be reduced in size down to 21,000 seats.
The stadium has a decent design but doesn’t quite compare to some of the other candidates on the list.
Games Being Played At Ahmad bin Ali Stadium:
- USA vs. Wales
- Belgium vs. Canada
- Wales vs. Iran
- Japan vs. Costa Rica
- Wales vs. England
- Croatia vs. Belgium
#6. Khalifa International Stadium
- Capacity: 40,000
- Location: Doha
- Year Constructed: 1976 (Renovated 2017)
Khalifa International is the OG stadium and has long been the home for soccer in Qatar. The stadium underwent renovations to be ready for the World Cup and reopened in 2017.
The stadium has a history of hosting international matches, including a friendly between Brazil and England in 2009 and another between Brazil and Argentina a year later.
Games Being Played At Khalifa International Stadium:
- England vs. Iran
- Germany vs. Japan
- Netherlands vs. Ecuador
- Croatia vs. Canada
- Ecuador vs. Senegal
- Japan vs. Spain
- 1 Round of 16 Game
- Third-Place Game
#5. Education City Stadium
- Capacity: 40,000
- Location: Al Rayyan
- Year Constructed: 2020
Breaking into the top five is Education City Stadium. At night the addition of lights illuminating the stadium make this one very easy on the eye.
This stadium is almost a blend of State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals, and Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. It gets its name from its proximity to several university campuses.
This stadium hosted the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup final between Bayern and Tigres.
Games Being Played At Education City Stadium:
- Denmark vs. Tunisia
- Uruguay vs. South Korea
- Poland vs. Saudi Arabia
- South Korea vs. Ghana
- Tunisia vs. France
- South Korea vs. Portugal
- 1 Round of 16 Game
- 1 Quarterfinal Game
#4. Al Bayt Stadium*
- Capacity: 60,000
- Location: Al Khor
- Year Constructed: 2021
Al Bayt Stadium has the most unique design. The look is inspiration from traditional tents of nomadic people in Qatar and comes with a retractable roof. This is the furthest north stadium in the country and is also the second largest.
Qatar’s opening game of the World Cup against Ecuador will be played at Al Bayt Stadium.
Games Being Played At Al Bayt Stadium:
- Qatar vs. Ecuador
- Morocco vs. Croatia
- England vs. USA
- Spain vs. Germany
- Netherlands vs. Qatar
- Costa Rica vs. Germany
- 1 Round of 16 Game
- 1 Quarterfinal Game
- 1 Semifinal Game
#3. Al Janoub Stadium
- Capacity: 40,000
- Location: Al Wakrah
- Year Constructed: 2019
We’re all thinking the same thing. Hell of a design.
Can’t believe Australia gets to play all three of its group stage games in Al Janoub Stadium.
Games Being Played At Al Janoub Stadium:
- France vs. Australia
- Switzerland vs. Cameroon
- Tunisia vs. Australia
- Cameroon vs. Serbia
- Australia vs. Denmark
- Ghana vs. Uruguay
- 1 Round of 16 Game
#2. Al Thumama Stadium*
- Capacity: 40,000
- Location: Doha
- Year Constructed: 2021
Coming in at runner-up is Al Thumama Stadium. This masterpiece is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. The stadium is designed to look like a traditional taqiyah hat worn by men and boys.
This stadium looks great in the daytime and nighttime. Eight games will be played at this venue.
Games Being Played At Al Thumama Stadium:
- Senegal vs. Netherlands
- Spain vs. Costa Rica
- Qatar vs. Senegal
- Belgium vs. Morocco
- Iran vs. USA
- Canada vs. Morocco
- 1 Round of 16 Game
- 1 Quarterfinal Game
#1. Lusail Iconic Stadium
- Capacity: 80,000
- Location: Al Daayen
- Year Constructed: 2021
It might be cliché to pick the biggest stadium as the winner but that’s what we’ve done. This massive stadium is the crown jewel of the 2022 World Cup stadiums. A total of 10 games will be played in this stadium, including the final.
The biggest stadium will see the biggest names as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar will all play group stage games in Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Games Being Played At Lusail Iconic Stadium:
- Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia
- Brazil vs. Serbia
- Argentina vs. Mexico
- Portugal vs. Uruguay
- Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico
- Cameroon vs. Brazil
- 1 Round of 16 Game
- 1 Quarterfinal Game
- 1 Semifinal Game
- The Final
