Three FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums are playing host to the AFC Champions League (West) matches from the group stage to the semi-finals
Along with Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, which is home to former champions Al Sadd, Khalifa International Stadium, Education City Stadium and Al Janoub Stadium are host matches during the tournament, which began on Monday and will conclude on October 3, 2020.
The tournament will be played over a total of 39 matches with 32 in the group stage, four round of 16 matches, two quarter-finals and one semi-final.
Khalifa International Stadium
Having previously hosted the 2017 Amir Cup final, 2006 Asian Games, 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup 2019, to name a few, Khalifa International Stadium kicked off the tournament on Monday, and will continue to host teams in Group A, adding AFC Champions League to its illustrious hosting history.
The stadium was the first tournament-ready venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and was reopened in May 2017 following a successful redevelopment in preparation for hosting the world’s largest football tournament. The redevelopment included the integration of additional seats, a LED lighting system and cooling system which will ensure that the venue can be used year-round.
Situated in Aspire Zone, Qatar’s centre of sporting excellence, Khalifa International Stadium will host matches until the round of 16 and a third-place match in 2022, and after the tournament will remain Qatar’s 40,000-seat national stadium.
Al Janoub Stadium
Known for its critically acclaimed design which is inspired by traditional dhow boats and Qatar’s seafaring past, Al Janoub Stadium was inaugurated during the Amir Cup 2019. It went on to host the semi-final of the 24th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup in December 2019 and several QNB Stars League (QSL) matches.
Al Janoub Stadium will host most teams in Group B of the AFC Champions League as well as round of 16 matches.
Located in Al Wakrah City, the 40,000-seat venue was the first purpose-built Qatar 2022 stadium to be completed. It features a retractable roof, which works alongside the stadium’s innovative cooling technology to ensure that it can be used any time of year. In 2022, the stadium will host matches until the round of 16. Following the tournament, the stadium’s capacity will be reduced by half with 20,000 seats donated to football development projects in Qatar and around the world.
Education City Stadium
Earlier this month, Education City Stadium hosted its first official match — the QSL 2020-21 season opener between Al Sadd and Al Kharaitiyat. Its completion was announced in June 2020 through a specially programmed digital launch as a tribute to frontline healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic – making it the third tournament-ready Qatar 2022 stadium.
Located in the heart of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), Qatar’s ‘Diamond in the Desert’ boasts a capacity of 40,000 and is set to host matches up to and including the quarter-finals stage during 2022. It will host teams in Group C and round of 16 matches during the 2020 AFC Champions League.
Education City Stadium has achieved a five-star design and build sustainability rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) and benefits from advanced cooling technologies that ensure comfortable temperatures year-round for players and fans.
After 2022, the stadium’s capacity will be reduced by half, thanks to its modular design, with 20,000 seats donated to support the creation of sports facilities in developing countries around the world. The additional space will be redeveloped to feature a retail area, sporting facilities and two schools which will serve Qatar Foundation.
