Photography
Did Qatar Erect a Giant Vagina for World Cup 2022?
Many fans and observers note the uncanny resemblance to the female genitalia.
November 18 2022 5:30 AM EST
November 04 2024 8:57 AM EST
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Many fans and observers note the uncanny resemblance to the female genitalia.
Following its winning bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Quatar released plans to erect the new Al Janoub sports stadium — and many immediately noted the mammoth stadium resembled a vagina.
And now that the stadium is open for business, some still agree the undulating roof structure with a gaping slit is a spitting image of the female genitalia.
The architect, AECOM, said the design pulled inspiration from a local fishing boat — the Arabian dhow. However, it is tough to disagree with those who noted the similarity with the female genitalia. The 45,000-capacity stadium is part of Qatar’s plans to host the hugely popular soccer tournament; one of six new stadiums were constructed for one of the most popular sporting events in the world. The climate-controlled structure was built 12 miles south of the capital city of Doha. The World Cup takes place November 20 through December 18.
“The vision set by the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee is one that embraces the cultural heritage of the host city and the adjacent historical Qatari settlement of Al Wukair,” AECOM said in a press release at the time. “Incorporating this identity will be a crucial part of the stadium design and enhancing the fan experience.”
AECOM also stated that the stadium was erected in a city with a “rich cultural heritage evidenced by its traditional Islamic architecture, historical buildings, distinctive mosques and archaeological sites.” Interestingly enough, the lead architect was in fact, Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-born woman.