Qatar continues to amaze football world: Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed that Qatar continues to amaze the football world in its journey towards hosting a historic World Cup edition, noting that Al Thumama Stadium is another architectural icon of the 2022 tournament stadiums, and bears a special symbolism for the State of Qatar and region.

Infantino expressed his aspiration to attend the matches of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup organized by Qatar in a few weeks and to enjoy less than a year later the competitions of the first edition of the World Cup to be held in the Arab world and the Middle East.

In remarks, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, "Qatar continues to amaze the football world and it will not stop until the curtain closes on the FIFA World Cup. Al Thumama Stadium is another work of art and carries a lot of significance for the country and the region. I cannot wait to see the first FIFA pan-Arab football tournament being held right here in a few weeks' time, and to witness the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East just one year from now."

"I am thrilled to be here today, next to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and to have the opportunity to personally thank him for Qatar's efforts, which go way beyond delivering what will be the best FIFA World Cup ever in 2022," added Infantino.

Engineer Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC's Operations Office and Vice Chairman of the Technical Delivery Office, said: "The stadium is spectacular and the inauguration is yet another milestone in our preparations. Two more stadiums - Al Bayt and Ras Abu Aboud - will be unveiled during the FIFA Arab Cup, followed by Lusail Stadium in 2022. We have now exceeded 98% completion across our projects and remain in excellent shape ahead of next year's World Cup."

Al Jamal went on to say the people of Al Thumama were considered from the beginning of the project.

"We are proud that all our venues will make a positive impact in their local communities," said Al Jamal. "Al Thumama, in particular, will have a major role to play in terms of sporting facilities for local people after the World Cup. It will become a focal point for the community and a constant positive reminder of the first World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world."