Looking back at the history of Khalifa International Stadium
Gulf Times
The country’s national stadium was inaugurated in 1976 and has since hosted a number of major events, including the Arabian Gulf Cup, AFC Asian Cup, the Asian Games, FIFA Club World Cup and IAAF World Athletics Championships.
When Khalifa International Stadium hosts matches during this year’s FIFA World Cup, it will be the culmination of a journey that started 46 years ago.
The country’s national stadium was inaugurated in 1976 and has since hosted a number of major events, including the Arabian Gulf Cup, AFC Asian Cup, the Asian Games, FIFA Club World Cup and IAAF World Athletics Championships.
Khalifa International will be one of eight tournament venues during Qatar 2022 and holds the distinction of becoming the first tournament-ready stadium after being reopened in 2017 following an extensive redevelopment.
Ali Al Mansoori was Khalifa International’s Venue Manager for more than 30 years. He has seen the venue grow into a world-class facility and was part of the team that managed the stadium’s relaunch ahead of the 2017 Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan.
