Qatar stadiums handover

The host nation Qatar is set to hand over the eight stadiums to Fifa today ahead of the World CMany of these eight venues have been purpose-built for the tournament, which kicks off on November 20.

Al Bayt stadium, which will host the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador, is one of these. In the City of Al Khor, under an hour’s drive from Doha, Al Bayt stands like a mirage in the desert. There is very little in the area surrounding the stadium and, like the rest of the venues, it is a mega structure straight out of the future.

Designed like a bedouin tent, the exterior and interior pay homage to the nomadic people of the region. But that’s just about where the similarities end because the interior oozes luxury. Nowhere more so than the hotel rooms or apartments in the sky boxes on the vip level. With a kitchenette, flat screen TV, luxury bathroom with a shower and tub, a bed, and even a dining area, it is quite literally the best seat in the house.

Seven of the stadiums are airconditioned, with the exception being stadium 974, which is on the ocean and relies on the sea breeze to circulate and cool temperatures.

The close proximity of the stadiums cannot be overstated. On the way to one stadium you may pass one or two other venues. Four of the stadiums are within a 10km radius in the capital Doha. The stadium that will host the final is in an area that was basically just desert a few years ago.

Lusail is Doha’s City of the future and the stadium there is simple yet opulent, complete with a golden elevator. Everyone who gets a chance will tell you Lusail’s futuristic buildings did not exist just six years ago.

One thing about all of the stadiums, except for Khalifa Stadium which has a track around the field, is that they are very compact.

You feel very close to the field and the action. This will no doubt do wonders for the atmosphere.

As for the players they will experience the best at the stadiums too, with state-of-the-art dressing rooms that feature warm up rooms complete with grass patches and stunning indoor pools.

The stadium with the most work still going on was the Khalifa International stadium, the oldest of the eight venues. Earlier this week many of the stadiums were still putting finishing touches on pitches, which we were asked not to film.

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Here are all the details you need to know about Qatar 2022 -  teams, groups, fixtures, stadiums, and how to follow the action.