Construction Progresses on 2022 World Cup Stadiums

QATAR's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has released new footage showing the construction progress on key venues ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Although overland access to the country is currently blocked by neighbouring Saudi Arabia following rising diplomatic tensions, the small Gulf state has been able to continue preparations for the upcoming championship.

Above and Below: A render of the Lusail Iconic Stadium, currently under construction (images courtesy of Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy). 

There are currently seven stadiums under construction, including the 86,250 seat Lusail Iconic Stadium designed by British practice Foster + Partners, the largest venue being built for the event.

Above and Below: The Zaha Hadid-designed Al Wakrah stadium is nearing completion (images courtesy of ZHA and Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy).

Considerable progress has also been made on Zaha Hadid Architects' curving Al Wakrah stadium - one of the last schemes to have been worked on by the late Hadid herself - which will accommodate 40,000 spectators. 

The stadium has already reached its highest point and is currently being clad externally, with the interior fit-out set to begin shortly.

Above and Below: Works continue on the foundations of the demountable Ras Abu Aboud stadium ( images courtesy of Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy).

Not all venues are so advanced though. The Al Thumama and Education City Stadiums are still lacking their roof structures and Ras Abu Aboud stadium - set to be constructed using steel shipping containers and disassembled after the tournament - is still in early stages of construction.

Only Khalifa International Stadium, a 40,000 capacity venue, is currently complete. The original stadium was constructed in 1976 and renovated in 2005. It underwent further enhancements again between 2014 and 2017.

Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been under significant scrutiny for its treatment of migrant workers and alleged, though unsubstantiated, claims of bribery during the bidding process.