Larsen & Toubro, the largest construction firm in India, has won the contract to build Qatar’s 2022 World Cup venue, the Al Rayyan Stadium.

Construction of the 40,000-capacity arena will be delivered in a joint venture with Qatari contractor Al Balagh Trading & Contracting. The deal was announced by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) – the organisers of the tournament.

“This marks an important milestone in our progress and preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” said SC secretary general Hassan Al Thawadi.

“The impact of this stadium and its surrounding precinct will be felt long before the stadium is finished in 2019, with the recently completed outdoor training pitches set to be used by the current Qatar Stars League champion Al Rayyan Club for its upcoming season.”

The Al Rayyan Stadium was designed by Ramboll and Pattern and is expected to be built by 2019. Following the tournament the stadium will accommodate 20,000 seats and will become the home of Al Rayyan Sports Club.

Yasir Al Jamal, vice-chair of the SC’s Technical Delivery Office, added: “Al Rayyan Stadium will become a landmark loved by the fans of the club that will celebrate the iconic design and inspiration of Qatari culture and heritage. The stadium and precinct will become a pivotal part of the community hub.”