Qatar’s 2022 World Cup organizers have named the locations of what will likely be the final stadiums built for the tournament, both in established areas of Doha.

One will be built in Ras Abu Aboud, near Hamad International Airport, while the other will be in Al Thumama, which is located west of Najma St. between E-Ring and F-Ring roads.

No details or design renderings accompanied the notices of the stadium site selections, which were announced in statements published Wednesday and Thursday on the website of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

Six other locations have already been confirmed: Lusail, Al Khor, Al Rayyan, Education City, Al Wakrah and Khalifa International Stadium.

Eight stadiums

The Ras Abu Aboud stadium was previously discussed as replacing the “Doha Port Stadium” concept, which was to be constructed on an artificial peninsula and designed to resemble a surfacing marine animal.

However, Al Thumama was not explicitly mentioned in FIFA’s evaluation of Qatar’s bid, which proposed refurbishing and constructing 12 stadiums, including in Al Shamal, Umm Slal and at Qatar University, as well as a renovation of Al Gharafa Stadium.

That figure is widely expected to be dropped to eight when FIFA meets with local organizers this month to officially decide on the number of stadiums that will be used in the tournament and discuss other matters.

The inclusion of Al Thumama means that there will be three World Cup stadiums located within roughly 15km of one another.

Local organizers have previously said the compact nature of the 2022 World Cup will work to the tournament’s advantage by allowing spectators to watch multiple matches in a single day.

FIFA officials are scheduled to travel to Doha this week for their second board meeting with Qatar’s World Cup organizing committee.

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