We take a closer look at Al Bayt, one of the eight Qatar World Cup 2022 stadiums
Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar(Image credit: Getty)
The Qatar World Cup 2022 is fast approaching, with the action set to kick off in November.
We know the teams who will be there, but what about the venues?
Eight stadiums across Qatar will play host to the first ever winter World Cup.
The short distances between them providing something of a novelty compared to previous years – the furthest distance between two World Cup 2022 stadiums is around 45 miles.
Here are some answers to key questions about Al Bayt Stadium.
Where is Al Bayt Stadium?
Al Bayt Stadium is in the city of Al Khor, 35km north of Doha.
What is the capacity?
Al Bayt Stadium seats 60,000 fans.
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Who plays there?
Qatar Stars League side Al Khor and the Qatar national team.
When was it completed?
Work started in 2014, and the stadium was inaugurated on November 30, 2021 for the opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup between Qatar and Bahrain.
Al Bayt Stadium hosted five matches at the tournament, including the final, where Algeria beat Tunisia 2-0 after extra time.
(Image credit: Getty)
How much did it cost?
Al Bayt Stadium reportedly cost $847 million to construct.
What World Cup 2022 games will be played at the Al Bayt Stadium?
21 November: Qatar v Ecuador (Group A)
23 November: Morocco v Croatia (Group F)
25 November: England v United States (Group B)
27 November: Spain v Germany (Group E)
29 November: Netherlands v Qatar (Group A)
1 December: Costa Rica v Germany (Group E)
4 December: Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A (Round of 16)
10 December: Quarter-final
14 December: Semi-final
What will happen to the stadium after the World Cup?
The capacity of the ground will be reduced to 32,000, and the removed seating will be given to football development projects around the world.
The upper concourse will then be transformed into a five-star hotel, while a shopping centre, food court, gym and multipurpose hall will be created at the venue.
An Aspetar sports medicine facility will also be set up at the stadium, while running and cycling tracks will be set up in the parkland outside as well as play areas and food kiosks.
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Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.
