Authorities in Qatar have confirmed that a fire broke out on Saturday at an under-construction building in a newly built city where a World Cup match is scheduled to be played later in the evening.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry said the fire started just after noon local time on an island that is part of the city of Lusail, which is hosting several games during the tournament, including Argentina’s group game against Mexico, which kicks off at 10pm local time, 7pm GMT.
The blaze was about 3.5km from Lusail Stadium. It sent thick black smoke into the sky, which was visible from a marketplace in central Doha as World Cup fans milled among its shops and restaurants. There have been no reported injuries.