The 2022 World Cup final has seen a flood of fans into Lusail ahead of France taking on Argentina at the Lusail Stadium today.
Thousands of supporters have travelled for the chance to witness World Cup history with reports of packed flights landing in Qatar from Europe and South America in the last 24 hours.
However, the build up to the final has been hit by chaos for fans, with multiple reports claiming major delays on the metro train line heading to the stadium.
Supporters now face a battle to arrive at the game ahead of the 18:00 local time kickoff, as transport options are overrun.
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Qatar metro chaos for World Cup final
Reports of fans being stuck at metro stations and being crammed onto trains have emerged ahead of kickoff with supporters anxious to get to the stadium.
The congestion on the metro is not related to those heading to Lusail really. Those are people that have been caught up in the chaos. The issue is related to the fan zone, which is on the same line. This should have been anticipated and was problematic on Fridays, days off here.
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) December 18, 2022
One hour to go and the rail network here has come under severe strain. Several stations now closed, stadium about 2/3 full at most, closing ceremony well under way. Hoping fans with tickets can get here safely and in time.
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) December 18, 2022
The primary issue appears to be an issue with trains travelling from Doha to Lusail, roughly an 80-minute journey, with authorities claiming a technical issue has caused the disruption, as opposed to reports of the network simply being overstretched.
All Doha Metro stations and roads around the stadium are currently experiencing high demand. Access to the stations is delayed and lengthy waiting times should be expected.
— Roadto2022Go (@Roadto2022Go) December 18, 2022
Supporters are being asked to depart the train before the stop closest to Lusail Stadium and walk the remainder of their journey, which could be over an hour.
Video and photos of crowds on train
Social media has captured the fan frustration in and around Lusail with supporters forced to wait for the issue to be potentially repaired or travel onwards by taxi or on foot.
At the central Msheireb station in Doha, total chaos as vast numbers of fans try to get to Metro line to the Lusail Stadium for final. System overwhelmed #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/o3AZMKOjsQ
— Ian Herbert (@ianherbs) December 18, 2022
Thousands of people crammed into the metro station at Lusail stadium. No sign of any crowd control - gets better when outside. Lots of people here presumably without tickets. #Qatar2022 #FIFAWorldCup #arg #fra pic.twitter.com/gkLAWogg10
— Tyrone Francis (@TJFrancisLive) December 18, 2022
55 minutes to go | Problems with the Doha metro - large groups of France fans forced to get off 2 stops before Lusail Stadium, seemingly owing to a technical problem, they are waiting. Upon arrival at Lusail station, it is a very difficult exit, a small gate for lots of people.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) December 18, 2022
