The remaining and perhaps most-anticipated design of the eight stadiums proposed by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ was unveiled today at a colourful gala event held at the Lusail Marina, 15km north from Doha.

With its golden bowl structure and apertures shaped like “fanar” lanterns, the stadium celebrates the Middle East’s ancient tradition of craftsmanship. Lusail Stadium will welcome up to 80,000 fans and has been proposed by the organisers as the venue for the opening and final matches of the tournament taking place in four years’ time.

“It has now been eight years since we won the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and we told the world to expect amazing. With this stunning design of our showpiece stadium, I am proud today to once again be delivering on that promise,” said SC Secretary General HE Hassan Al Thawadi, underlining that the stadium is situated at the heart of a whole new city. “Lusail is a city for the future, and once the World Cup is over it will – like each of our other seven stadiums – form a crucial part of the legacy of the tournament as it transforms to become the heart of a brand new community.”

“I am delighted to see Qatar’s continued commitment to excellence in the spectacular Lusail Stadium,” added FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura. “Qatar’s stadiums are among the most eye-catching ever seen and the venue proposed for the final is absolutely gorgeous. I particularly enjoy the fact that Middle East culture is reflected in Lusail’s and several other designs and look forward to seeing football fans from all over world discover the culture and history of this region.”

According to the SC, infrastructure works at Lusail Stadium are progressing in all areas, with internal works having commenced in the west stand. The construction of the stadium is scheduled to be completed in 2020. In 2017, Khalifa International Stadium became the first proposed venue to be ready, while two more stadiums are scheduled to be completed early next year – Al Wakrah Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium – in Al Khor.