Qatar’s first stadium completed ahead of World Cup 2022 five years before tournament… and it is air conditioned

The 40,000 Khalifa International Stadium has been open since 1976 but has been extensively renovated for the major competition

QATAR’s first stadium has been completed ahead of the World Cup 2022, five years before the tournament begins – and it is air conditioned.

The 40,000 Khalifa International Stadium has been open since 1976 but has been extensively renovated for the major competition in the middle eastern country.

The Khalifa International Stadium has been renovated to the tune of £70million

One of the key features is the cooling system at the Doha ground, which was the linchpin of the bid from the country to host football’s biggest tournament, as temperatures soar to 50 degrees.

The ground has been totally re-built to the tune of £70million, with the pitch at a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and the stands at 24-28 degrees year-round.

‘The Khalifa International’ is the first completed 2022 World Cup stadium in Qatar

Able to hold 40,000 spectators, the stadium is done five years ahead of schedule

The secretary general of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Hassan Al Thawadi, said: “The completion of our first stadium more than five years before the Qatar World Cup begins is an important milestone.

“It reflects our determination to deliver a tournament the entire Arab world is proud to be a part of.