World football’s governing body FIFA has revealed that there will be a number of free concerts featuring international stars for its fan festival during this year’s World Cup.
The World Cup is taking place in Qatar in November and December and the Al Bidda Park in central Doha is set to host a number of live music performances.
The FIFA Fan Festival site will be next to the Corniche waterfront and near to the West Bay neighbourhood. It will also serve as the official viewing area for fans to watch all 64 games of the World Cup on giant screens.
Fans will also be able to consume alcohol at the FIFA Fan Festival, with sponsor Budweiser serving beer after 18:30. Alcohol will be served within the ticketed perimeter surrounding each stadium, but will not be sold in the stadium stands or on the concourse – though non-alcoholic beer will be available in these areas.
The FIFA World Cup, which will run from November 20 until December 18 in Qatar, is the first edition to be held in the Middle East and is expected to attract over one million visitors.
While no music acts have been confirmed by FIFA yet, previous fan festivals have seen performances from the likes of Nelly Furtardo and Simple Minds.
On the reimagined fan festival, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “To support our mission to make football truly global, accessible and inclusive, we are thrilled to introduce a new vision for the entertainment experience surrounding future FIFA World Cup events.
“The FIFA Fan Festival provides an incredible opportunity for fans to come together beyond the stadiums and the on-pitch action and experience football in new and unique ways.
“We are truly excited about the future of the FIFA Fan Festival and the enhanced entertainment offerings that will bring fans and partners alike closer to both men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups, as well as global football culture.”