It is probably the most essential stadium of this World Cup in Qatar. It is also the first to be visible when arriving in Doha, even before landing, due to its proximity to the airport. The Stade 974 combines above all the particularities to the point of making it a unique enclosure of its kind on the planet. And this is where the France team faces Denmark this Saturday at 5 p.m. for its second match in this 2022 World Cup.
Let’s first consider the name of this 45,000-seat setting located by the sea with a breathtaking view of the Doha Skyline. The number attached to it corresponds not only to the telephone code of Qatar but also to the number of containers necessary for its construction. 974 metal caissons, usually loaded on merchant ships were superimposed to erect this case whose specificities do not stop there.
Natural ventilation for perfect playing conditions
It is also the first in history to be completely removable. Given the lack of popular enthusiasm for football in Qatar, there is no need to occupy an already small space with a stadium that should no longer be used once the competition is over. Stade 974, which has already hosted Portugal-Ghana (3-2) and Mexico-Poland (0-0) for eight days, will indeed be moved at the end of this World Cup, to a country suffering from a lack of sports infrastructure. . It could be Tunisia. Instead, a new business district could emerge.
Despite being remarkably modern, it is nevertheless the only venue in the tournament not to be equipped with an air conditioning system. Natural ventilation cools the atmosphere in the bays. This Saturday, the France-Denmark meeting should be given under an ideal temperature of 25 degrees. Optimal playing conditions for the Blues who, in the event of victory, would qualify their ticket for the round of 16 of the competition.