Qatar boasts eight stadiums (those who studied Latin might say stadia), where the World Cup drama will be played out.

Of interest, all are within a 55km radius of each other, which is super convenient compared with previous host countries, where fans travelled hundreds of weary miles between venues.

The cooling of the venues – through the use of plentiful solar energy – was an area of intense focus, given the region’s warm climate and the need to be mindful of carbon targets.

While there was plenty of controversy over the treatment of migrant workers employed during the construction period, when many were reported to have died, this will be conveniently ‘disremembered’ by most once matches begin.

Lusail Iconic Stadium  

This 80 000-capacity venue lies within the city of Lusail and was the location of the first Qatar Grand Prix in 2021. It will host 10 matches, including the final on December 18 – which happens to be the country’s national day.

Built for $767m, the stadium boasts an extremely modern, eco-friendly design, with natural lighting, cooling and water-use innovations. Its lantern shape speaks of ancient architecture, however, and the exterior shows off Arab and Islamic-style decor.

Of interest, after the World Cup, it will be reduced to 40 000 seats, with half of the stadium converted to community space.

A bonus for spectators is that rail transport to the stadium will be free.

Al Bayt Stadium

This new stadium takes its name and gets its design from the tents traditionally used by the region’s nomadic people. It boasts a retractable roof, and the precinct encompasses a massive recreational area that accommodates cycling, running and horse and camel riding. It is also home to multi-sport public grounds and greenbelts, as well as space for the preservation of traditional culture.

The stadium can accommodate 60 000 patrons and cost around $850m to build. It is also the venue of the first game of the tournament on Sunday, November 20, when the hosts take on Ecuador in Group A.

The 2022 World Cup starts next week!🏆
This means that from November 14th to 20th I will present you 7 of the 8 stadiums in Qatar. And I will post the final stadium, the Lusail Iconic Stadium, on the day of the final (December 18th).🏟
Stay tuned… pic.twitter.com/s00AhZfDme

— FC Soundtracks (@FC_Footballst) November 10, 2022

Al Janoub Stadium  

Formerly known as Al Wakrah Stadium after its location, this venue is in one of the country’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Construction began in 2014. With its retractable roof and ocean themes, the design was inspired by the sails of the traditional dhow boats used by pearl divers and fishermen.

The stadium, the southernmost of all the venues, makes extensive use of timber and opened its 40 000 seats to the public in 2019.

Reportedly, its cost was about $656m.

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

Located on the edge of the desert, sand dune-style features are incorporated in the design of this venue, which was built over the grave of the demolished Al Rayyan Stadium.

Almost all the rubble from the demolished stadium was recycled and used in the new construction, according to Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

Opened in December 2020, it seats close to 40 000 people, and cost about $360m.

While it is referred to as ‘the gateway to the desert’, due to its proximity, it is also close to the largest shopping centre in the country, where no doubt plenty of tourism spend will be welcomed.

Khalifa International Stadium

The home of the Qatar national team and named after the country’s former Emir, this venue dates back to 1976, although it has undergone a series of major revamps, the latest at a cost of $374m.

The main architectural feature, apart from the dazzling new LED lighting system, is the roof flanked by two massive arches that rise 120m skyward.

The 40 000-seater stadium also hosts several other sports, including athletics, and played host to the International Association of Athletics Federations World Champs in 2019.

Education City Stadium 

Located on the outskirts of Doha, the stadium lies in the heart of the education and scientific sectors and is surrounded by university campuses. Nicknamed ‘the diamond in the desert, the new venue encompasses all modern, eco-friendly innovations, including advanced water- and temperature-cooling systems.

Built at a cost of $700m, the five-star design reflects football brain tanks and academic intelligence coming together.

It will host eight games, including one quarter-final.

Post the World Cup, all venues – including this one – will not become white elephants, but will be transformed into centres that benefit several sectors of society, including education, health and retail.

Al Thumama Stadium 

Opened in October 2021, this venue’s white circular-shaped exterior is inspired by the gahfiya, the traditional cap used by Arabic men and boys. Shape-wise, it resembles SA’s FNB calabash.

Especially at night, the sparkling stadium is a delight to the eyes. Its name is derived from that of a tree frequently found in the area.

The surroundings comprise green park areas, and post-World Cup 2022, the 40 000-seater area will halve to make way for a community sports hub, with space also allocated for retail and commercial components, as well as a luxury hotel.

Construction cost was around $342m.

Stadium 974

The unusual name for this relatively low-cost temporary venue relates to the fact that 974 recycled shipping containers were used for the construction of its façade. It pays innovative tribute to Qatar’s seafaring history and current maritime trade.

974 is also Qatar’s international dialling code!

Located on the waterfront in Doha, it is described as the first stadium in World Cup history that can be dismantled for reuse in under-developed countries.

It will host six group games and one round of 16 fixtures.

#TacklingQatar2022: Manned by soccer fundi Dave Savides, the Corner Shop is the place to be for Soccer World Cup news. Savides, the long-time editor of the Zululand Observer, is tackling the coverage of the world’s greatest footie extravaganza for Caxton Local Media.