RAY OF LIGHT Qatar complete 40,000-capacity Al Rayyan Stadium for 2022 World Cup with five of eight new venues ready

QATAR 2022 World Cup chiefs have completed the fifth of their eight brand new stadiums for the tournament.

Posted Thursday, December 03, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk

The 40,000-capacity Al Rayyan Stadium, which is situated next to a vast shopping mall on the outskirts of the capital Doha, is scheduled to host six group matches and a last-16 tie in the first winter World Cup.

RAY OF LIGHT Qatar complete 40,000-capacity Al Rayyan Stadium for 2022 World Cup with five of eight new venues ready
Some 40,000 fans can fit in the Al Rayyan Stadium Credit: Reuters

RAY OF LIGHT Qatar complete 40,000-capacity Al Rayyan Stadium for 2022 World Cup with five of eight new venues ready
Qatar 2022 organisers welcomed the opening of the arena on Wednesday Credit: Reuters

It will be inaugurated with a match on December 18, marking exactly two years to the date of the 2022 World Cup Final.

Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of Qatar’s Supreme Council, said: “The inauguration of this stadium is another major milestone on the road to 2022.

"This event also marks the two-year countdown to the biggest match in Qatar’s history: the FIFA World Cup final.

"We are proud that our World Cup preparations remain on track, with 90 per cent of infrastructure projects completed.

"We will ensure that all tournament venues are delivered well in advance of the big kick-off.”

For the first time in recent history, the host nation is not also holding the qualifying draw, with Europe’s 55 nations discovering their fate in Nyon, Switzerland.

RAY OF LIGHT Qatar complete 40,000-capacity Al Rayyan Stadium for 2022 World Cup with five of eight new venues ready
The stadium is situated next to a huge shopping mall near Doha Credit: Reuters

RAY OF LIGHT Qatar complete 40,000-capacity Al Rayyan Stadium for 2022 World Cup with five of eight new venues ready
Qatari officials are planning a first game at the venue later in December Credit: Reuters

Qualification for the 2022 World Cup is already underway in Asia and South America.

Monday will see European nations drawn into groups for the Uefa section with England in Pot 1.

Qatar’s next milestone is the delayed Club World Cup, now taking place in February, when Champions League winners Bayern Munich will represent Europe.

All matches will be played in Doha.