A general view of the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. REUTERS
Doha: Qatar’s home of football, Khalifa International Stadium, was built in 1976 before being redeveloped for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The stadium reopened in May 2017 when it hosted the Amir Cup final; in the process becoming the first tournament-ready venue for the World Cup.
Here is a look at the venue that is set to host eight matches during this year’s tournament, which will be held from November 20 to December 18.
Design
Khalifa International is known for its magnificent dual arches. Below them a wide canopy has been developed which complements the stadium’s innovative cooling technology. LED lights have also been added to boost the exterior of the venue.
“When we talk about Khalifa Stadium, we’re not just talking about a stadium. We’re talking about one of Qatar’s iconic symbols that lies in the hearts of residents and citizens, who have witnessed multiple tournaments in this stadium,” said Ahmad Al Thani, Khalifa International Stadium Venue Manager.
Capacity
The stadium will host 40,000 fans during Qatar 2022.
Transport
Khalifa International can easily be accessed via Doha Metro’s Gold Line. The nearest stop is Sports City Station, which is just 500m away.
Location
Located 11km from central Doha, Khalifa International is part of Qatar Sports City – a famous sporting complex featuring Aspire Zone, Aspire Park, Aspetar sports medicine hospital and Villagio Mall. “Fans who attend matches at Khalifa will have lots to enjoy. As soon as the match ends, they can easily walk to Aspire Zone and enjoy its various facilities,” added Al Thani.
Legacy
Khalifa International Stadium will remain a focal point for Qatari football in the future.
“Khalifa will continue to host future matches and major tournaments. I hope we continue to amaze the world with our state-of-the-art facilities,” said Al Thani.
Sustainability
Khalifa International Stadium was the first Qatar 2022 venue to achieve Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) certification. The stadium’s wide roof canopy supports the state-of-the-art cooling system and helps maintain a comfortable temperature for players and fans.
Contractors
The Khalifa International Stadium project was managed by Projacs. Midmac Contracting Co. WLL and Six Construct were the main project contractors.
Tournament mode
During the FIFA World Cup, Khalifa International will host eight matches up to the third-place play-off:
November 21: England vs Iran (Group B)
November 23: Germany vs Japan (Group E)
November 25: Netherlands vs Ecuador (Group A)
November 27: Croatia vs Canada (Group F)
November 29: Ecuador vs Senegal (Group A)
December 1: Japan vs Spain (Group E)
December 3: Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-up (round of 16)
December 17: Third-place play-off
