Where is World Cup 2022 final? Qatar location, Lusail Iconic stadium capacity, how much did it cost to build

After four weeks of non-stop football, the World Cup is drawing to a close with just two teams remaining and ready to be crowned Champions of the World. Lionel Messi’s Argentina will take on France as the Soouth Americans hope to give Messi the last trophy on his checklist while France hope to become the first back-to-back champions in 60 years.

The final is set up to be a showdown between the two Paris Saint-Germain’s stars, Messi and 23-year-old Kylian Mbappe who has scored five goals alrady at this tournament.

Eight stadiums were built ahead of the FIFA World Cup with each hosting between 40,000 to 89,000 spectators and One of those stadiums the Lusail Iconic Stadium. Here is all you need to know about the newly built ground which will host the finale this weekend.

What is the capacity of the Lusail Iconic Stadium?

The newly constructed stadium will host 80,000 fans and it was first opened in 2021. The procurement process for the stadium began in 2014 with construction starting in 2017 and it is to be cooled using solar power. Much like other stadiums it will also have a zero carbon footprint. It is expected that after the World Cup ends, the stadium will be reconfigured into a 40,000 seater stadium with excess seating to be removed and other parts of the building to be rebuilt as a community space featuring shops, cafes, athletic and education facilities and a health clinic.

The Lusail stadium’s design is said to have been inspired by the interplay of light and shadow which characterises the ‘fanar’ lanter. The shape and facade are also meant to echo the decorative motifs on bowls and other vessels symbolic of the golden age of art and craftsmanship in the Arab and Islamic world.

How much did Lusail Iconic Stadium cost to build?

It is estimated that the Lusail Iconic Stadium cost around $767million (£679.2m) to build. However, this figure does not include enabling works which took place in 2015-2017 so it is likely the final price tag of the stadium is much higher than this figure.

Where is the Lusail Iconic Stadium located?

The stadium is located about ten miles north of the Qatari capital Doha but can be easily reached on the metro within half an hour. Lusail is a newly constructed city located in the Al Daayen Municipality of Qatar and plans for its development were first announced in 2005. In 2018, it was announced that over 80% of the city’s infrastructure projects had been completed.

It is estimated that it will have a population of 250,000 but could have the infrastructure to accommodate up to 450,000. Lusail, whose name comes from ‘al wassail’ - a term for a plant that grows bountifully in the area - is also the location of the Qatari Formula 1 track. The Lusail Grand Prix was first held in 2021.

What matches were held at the Lusail Iconic Stadium?

The World Cup final will be held at the Lusail Iconic Stadium along with six group stage fixtures, and one of each from the knockout stages of the tournament. Here are the fixtures to be held at the Lusail Iconic:

• Argentina v Saudi Arabia: Tuesday 22 November, 
• Brazil v Serbia: Thursday 24 November
• Argentina v Mexico: Saturday 26 November
• Portugal v Uruguay: Monday 28 November
• Saudi Arabia v Mexico: Wednesday 30 November
• Cameroon v Brazil: Friday 2 December
• Round of 16 fixture: Tuesday 6 December
• Quarter-final fixture: Friday 9 December
• Semi-final fixture: Tuesday 13 December
• FINAL: Sunday 18 December