What is this place

Lusail Stadium is Qatar’s largest football stadium, built in the new city of Lusail for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With a capacity of 80,000, it served as the main and final venue of the tournament.

Key features

  • Capacity of about 80,000, the biggest stadium in Qatar and one of the largest in the Middle East.
  • Opened in 2022 for the World Cup final.
  • Architecture inspired by traditional Arabic metal bowls and golden lanterns, giving the exterior its distinctive gold appearance.
  • Designed by Foster + Partners with a focus on energy efficiency and passive cooling solutions.
  • Uses low-carbon materials and technologies adapted to the Gulf climate.

What to see

  • A massive golden façade with decorative patterns referencing Arab craftsmanship.
  • A bowl-shaped arena with wide entrances and natural light openings.
  • Interior stands, the pitch, and the large-scale infrastructure built for global events.

History

The idea for a national stadium in Lusail emerged in the early 2010s, after Qatar won the right to host the 2022 World Cup. It was planned as the architectural centrepiece of the new city of Lusail.

Construction began in the mid 2010s with international teams of architects and engineers. The chosen Foster + Partners design symbolised a golden vessel, referencing traditional regional metalwork.

By 2022 the stadium was completed and hosted key matches, including the final. After the World Cup, parts of the structure are expected to be repurposed into public or cultural facilities.

Practical information

Location: Lusail city, about 20 km north of Doha, near the seafront and new business district.

Getting there: via metro (Red Line to Lusail station), taxi or car; special routes operate during events.

Access: depends on event schedules; open for matches and selected tours, usually by reservation.

Visiting hours: tied to matches or organised tours, mainly during the day.

Visit duration: 1–2 hours for a tour; longer on match days.

Best time: the cooler season (November–March).
Notes: cooling systems operate in hot months; event visitors should check entry rules and safety requirements.