Al Janoub Stadium Qatar

Al Janoub Stadium, Qatar

Al Janoub Stadium, Qatar is a host venue for the Qatar World Cup 2022.

The impressive stadium was formerly known as Al-Wakrah Stadium. It had a capacity of 44,000 spectators for the 2022 World Cup. This will be reduced to 20,000 after the tournament.

The Al-Janoub arena in Al-Wakrah was designed by the firm of late Zaha Hadid, who was also responsible for London 2012's Aquatic Centre. Its expressive exterior has all the flowing dynamics synonymous with the Iraqi-born starchitect, who died in 2016.

Hadid was also known for her playful sense of humour and some have interpreted nods to female pudenda in the roofline, a feminist joke amid a largely male tournament in a decidedly patriarchal country.

Maybe she did have the last laugh but her firm insists the design comes from upturned hulls of Arab dhows - traditional pearl fishing boats.

Al-Janoub has an external aspect alternatively mollusc-like or recalling internal musculature, a uniquely organic language for a genre normally functional or inspired by fortresses.

As well as hosting several group matches, the stadium also staged one Round of 16 game, Japan v Croatia.

France v Australia, Group D, 22 November
Switzerland v Cameroon, Group G, 24 November
Tunisia v Australia, Group D, 26 November
Cameroon v Serbia, Group G, 28 November
Australia v Denmark, Group D, 30 November
Ghana v Uruguay, Group H, 2 December

As well as being a venue for World Cup 2022, the stadium hosted several matches at Asian Cup 2023, which took place in January 2024.

Access - Getting There

The nearest Doha Metro stop is Al Wakra (Red Line) then a 15-minute shuttle bus and a 15-minute walk.

Hotels in Qatar

The Mandarin Oriental is a five-star hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.

Located in West Bay, the Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach, is also a five-star property. Offering a beachfront stay, the luxury hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace.

Lighter on the budget is La Villa Hotel with two stars, the pleasant property is located in the heart of the Gold Souk.

For visitors in transit at Hamad International Airport, the Oryx Airport Hotel has both a pool and spa facilities.

The three star Premier Inn Doha Education City has 219 fully air-conditioned rooms and an all-day restaurant.

South of Doha on the coast is the Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort which boasts 2-bedroom chalets as well as 3 and 4-bedroom villas with private pools, right on the beach.

Al Khor, north of Doha, also has some wonderful places to stay. Try the opulent Al Sultan Beach Resort with its own private beach and outdoor pool.

Another beach resort hotel is the Simaisma in Sumaysimah, 33 km from Doha. Facilities include an outdoor pool, tennis court and private beach.

Map of Qatar World Cup Stadiums

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