Among the many controversies surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar are the stadiums themselves.
When FIFA awarded Qatar with the 2022 World Cup back in 2010, soccer’s governing body decided to hold a tournament in a country the size of Connecticut with virtually no stadium infrastructure.
That set off a mad dash to build eight world-class stadiums, and to do so, Qatar utilized an abusive “kafala” system with migrant workers that bordered on modern-day slavery. On top of that, a Guardian investigation estimated that 6,751 migrant workers died amid the dangerous conditions in Qatar.
So while we take a look at the eight stadiums that will host World Cup games in Qatar, let’s not forget the staggering human cost that went into building them.
Lusail Stadium
Capacity: 80,000
Located about nine miles north of Doha, Lusail Stadium (also pictured on top of the article) will host the World Cup Final.
Al Bayt Stadium
Capacity: 60,000
The stadium is located about 31 miles from Doha — the furthest venue from the Qatar capital city. The stadium hosts the USMNT’s match against England and will also host a semifinal.
Education City Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
The stadium is located just outside of Doha and will have its capacity reduced to 25,000 after the tournament.
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Capacity: 44,740
The stadium was initially built in 2003 and was renovated for the World Cup. The USMNT plays Wales in its World Cup opener here.
Al Janoub Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
Located about 12 miles outside Doha, this retractable-roof stadium was the first World Cup-specific stadium to break ground in Qatar and took six years to build. It will host six matches in the group stage and one Round of 16 game.
Stadium 974
Capacity: 40,000
It’s called Stadium 974 for Qatar’s area code and the number of shipping containers used as part of the stadium construction.
Al Thumama Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
Located in the Doha city limits, this stadium will host the USMNT-Iran match in addition to a match in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals.
Khalifa International Stadium
Capacity: 45,414
The oldest of the Qatar World Cup stadiums (opened in 1976), it underwent an extensive renovation for the tournament. It will host a Round of 16 match and the third-place game.
