Al-Janoub Stadium Ready for 2022 World Cup Qatar

History will be made in November when the tiny state of Qatar becomes the first Arab state to host the World Cup. With qualifying rounds well advanced excitement is building for the upcoming tournament, and there has been plenty of interest in the various stadiums that Qatar has built or adapted for the competition.

Among the eight stadiums that will be used for the World Cup matches is the Al-Janoub stadium. The arena – formerly known as Al-Wakrah Stadium – is located in Wakrah and will feature 40,000 seats for the World Cup. As with all other Qatar stadiums this will reduce to 20,000 once the competition is complete.

The stadium has a distinctive roof that is designed to mimic the sails of the traditional Dhow boats that local pearl divers sail and is fully retractable. The architect – Zaha Hadid – was tasked with designing a practical stadium that would be memorable. All the stadia in Qatar are heated by solar power.

Qatar, as the host nation, will play in the first match – to be held at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor – against an as yet unknown rival, and the eyes of the world will be on the nation as the greatest sporting competition in the world is played out. The final will take place at the Lusail Stadium in Doha on 18^th December, this being the first time that the World Cup has been held at the time of year.