DOHA: The first official match at the Lusail stadium that is to host this year's World Cup final will be held next month, Qatar's national federation said Tuesday.
Al Rayyan and Al Arabi will dispute a Qatar Stars League game in the 80,000 capacity stadium on August 11.
Lusail is the biggest of the eight stadiums built or refurbished for the World Cup and will host the final on December 18.
A spokesperson for Qatar's World Cup organisers said the match would be a "test event" and that an official inauguration would be held later.
Lusail, whose futuristic design was inspired by the decoration on Arab bowls, will stage 10 World Cup matches in all, including several group matches, a quarter-final and semi-final as well as the final.
After the tournament, the capacity is expected to be halved and much of the stadium space turned into community space.
Ex-Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed belief that Rohit would not wait for selectors to make decision
Vinicius scored 24 goals in 39 appearances to help Madrid clinch LaLiga, Champions League double
"Alhamdulillah, Allah has blessed Aqsa & Naseer with beautiful Ayra," Afridi writes on Instagram
Green Shirts secure 1-0 lead in three-match series against Proteas
Tim is true champion, great New Zealand cricketer and sports person, says Richard Hadlee
Overseas matches ruled out as PCB prepares to stage PSL draft for season 10 on January 11
