DOHA: The iconic Lusail Stadium is gearing up to welcome fans on Friday for the opening of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup tournament.
The opening match between Qatar, the defending champions and host country, and the Lebanese national team will start at 7pm (local time).
The opening ceremony of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup will begin at 5pm, according to Qatar News Agency (QNA).
Qatar is hosting the Asian Cup for the third time in its history, achieving a record in hosting the Asian Football event after successfully hosting the tournament in 1988 and 2011.
In the eighteenth edition of the continental event, 24 of the best teams in Asia will compete for the Asian crown. The tournament will feature 51 matches, which will be held at nine stadiums.
The Lusail Stadium, with an 80,000 capacity, has hosted the 2022 Fifa World Cup final.
The stadium has a fan area that will allow fans to enjoy a variety of cultural and entertainment events and activities that take place on the sidelines of the tournament, including live sessions and shows, in addition to areas for games and food trucks.
Qatar, the defending champions, are looking forward to retaining the title on home soil in front of their fans after winning the title in 2019. — Bernama
