World Cup 2022 Qatar inaugurates Al Wakrah Stadium

If this was a taste of what fans can expect at the World Cup in 2022, then Qatar impressed. A dazzling opening ceremony launched its first purpose-built stadium in Al Wakra. And keen to demonstrate its global appeal, organisers of the tournament invited international legends to watch the show. It's amazing. But you look at also the stadium, it's very close to the players. It's got a great feel to it and it actually feels like you're at a World Cup. It's a stadium that compares to the Santiago Bernabéu. It's a marvellous stadium. It's good for the public and good for the players. Al Wakra Stadium is set to host 40,000 fans for games up to the quarter-finals. And the Emir Cup final was a sell-out. The late architect Zaha Hadid was influenced by traditional Arabian dows when she designed it. But as well as a nod to the past, Qatar's latest stadium also features state-of-the-art technology. One of the coolest things about Al Wakra Stadium is the air-conditioning system. It may be in the high 30s outside, but in here it's in the low 20s. And that's because the whole stadium is air-conditioned right up through the seats, down to the pitch. The fans did give former Spanish international Xavi a warm send-off though, as he played one of his last matches before retiring from the game. FIFA's president Gianni Infantino was also in the crowd alongside the Emir of Qatar. He's been pushing for an expanded 2022 World Cup, which would see the country's neighbours share hosting rights, despite a blockade. Qatar must be hoping they've done enough to change his mind. Joanna Gajroszka, Al Jazeera, Al Wakra, Qatar.