This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
On Monday, Qatar showcased its latest stadium for the 2022 soccer World Cup in a virtual presentation, dedicating it to frontline workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 40,000 capacity Education City stadium, dubbed a 'Diamond in the Desert', is the third venue to be completed, with five more under construction. The Al Rayyan Stadium and the 60,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium are due to be finished by the end of this year.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, expressed hope for a time when matches could be played with spectators again, saying, “We must not forget, health comes first. In some parts of the world, it is already possible to look ahead to better times. In others, we still have to be extremely careful, stay strong and united.”
Infantino also looked forward to the stadium's opening, stating, “In the meantime, the new stadium in Education City reminds us that football will return and with more passion than ever. When the time comes, we will be sharing the stands with families and friends. In this beautiful and modern stadium, we will come together to celebrate the FIFA World Cup in 2022.”
After the tournament, the stadium will have a reduced capacity of 20,000, with the surplus seats allocated to stadiums in developing countries. 2022 World Cup chief executive Nasser Al Khater commented, “Three down, five to go. We’re on track. This is a virtual launch, not something that we ever imagined we’d do. But who would have imagined that the world would be where it is right now.”
