Lusail Stadium Gears Up for AFC Asian Cup 2023's Opening and Final Matches

By A Robin - October 15, 2023

Lusail Stadium

Lusail Stadium is set to be the epicenter of football fervor, hosting both the kick-off and finale of the AFC Asian Cup 2023. The tournament will begin with a face-off between Qatar and Lebanon on Friday, January 12. This marks only the second clash between the two teams in the AFC Asian Cup. Qatar enters its 40th match in the competition, whereas Lebanon graces the inaugural match of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time.

The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, February 10 at the same venue.

Defending champions, Qatar, are gearing up with high hopes for the tournament, as 24 teams compete across various stadiums including Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, and others. More details about Qatar’s stadiums can be found here.

Originally constructed for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Lusail Stadium stands as Qatar's largest and Asia's second-largest, accommodating an impressive 88,966 spectators. The venue witnessed the heart-pounding FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final where Argentina triumphed over France.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Arab and Islamic motifs found on ceramics, the stadium's façade, bathed in muted gold, dazzles by day and illuminates the night, reminiscent of a radiant fanar lantern. Designed by renowned architects, Foster + Partners, the stadium boasts a roof that balances light exposure and maintains an ambient temperature, magnifying crowd cheers in the process.

Embodying sustainability, Lusail City, inclusive of the stadium, received a five-star rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). Water conservation, with features like recycled water irrigation and leak detection systems, ensures the venue saves 40% more freshwater than its conventional counterparts.

The commitment to eco-friendliness and cultural preservation has earned Lusail City the title of the "Capital of Islamic Culture for 2030."

For those attending the matches, Lusail Metro Station on the red line offers the most direct route to Lusail Stadium, with a mere 20-minute walk separating the two.