Maluma, Myriam to headline opening of FIFA Fan Festival

The doors to the FIFA Fan Festival in Doha’s Al Bidda Park will open on Saturday, November 19, one day before the first match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 between hosts Qatar and Ecuador.

On Saturday, FIFA and host country representatives will attend the inauguration along with FIFA Legends and the FIFA World Cup 2022 Winners’ Trophy.

Gates will open at 4pm, with the inauguration beginning at 7pm with a live broadcast of the “Welcome to Qatar” ceremony on the Corniche.

Following that, Lebanese singer Myriam Fares and Colombian star Maluma will open the Live Stage with headline solo performances as well as a world-exclusive duet performance of the official FIFA Fan Festival anthem, Tukoh Taka (featuring Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Fares), which will be released on November 18.

The performances by Fares and Maluma will be the first of many by top global music acts and local artistes over the next four weeks, with international award-winning musicians Diplo, Kizz Daniel, Nora Fatehi, Trinidad Cardona and Calvin Harris to be brought to the Live Stage by FIFA Sound.

On opening day, the Fan Festival will be open from 4pm-1am.

“Fans from all over the world can look forward to 29 days of football, music, culture and lifestyle – a true festival of football,” a FIFA statement said.

The FIFA Fan Festival is the perfect place to watch FIFA World Cup matches live in a buzzing atmosphere, while also enjoying an exciting football and entertainment programme.

The FIFA Fan Festival is the central destination where fans can meet to celebrate the unique atmosphere of the FIFA World Cup.

Many sponsor activities, dedicated football exhibitions and an official FIFA Store with licensed FIFA World Cup products await football fans.

“It is an event for all, welcoming everyone from avid or casual football enthusiasts to lovers of music, food and culture,” FIFA added.