Qatar showcases new stadium ahead of Cup expansion vote

DOHA - Qatar inaugurated the first of its seven new stadiums for World Cup 2022 on Thursday, just weeks before a crucial FIFA summit will decide whether to expand the tournament and potentially push it beyond the tiny Gulf state's borders to accommodate a larger format.

Fans packed Al Janoub stadium, a 40,000-seat venue made to resemble the sail of a dhow, or traditional Qatari wooden sailboat, to cheer on domestic teams playing in the final of the Emir Cup, a local tournament for the country's club sides.

The inauguration comes as soccer's world governing body FIFA floats a plan to expand the next World Cup to 48 teams from 32, which could require a last-minute co-host despite a protracted dispute between Qatar and some of its neighbors.