By Mai Akkad

Qatar is hosting a friendly football match that pits the reigning European and world champion Spain against current South American champion Uruguay on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at Khalifa Stadium.

Here are a few helpful things to know about the upcoming game:

• This is an expensive match. The friendly was originally supposed to be held in Portugal, but Qatar paid the Spanish Federation a hefty sum ($3.9 million) and agreed to give it a share of the profits from the match to have it moved to Doha. The match will likely serve as a platform to promote the 2022 World Cup.

• Tickets are still on sale. Prices range from QR30 to QR300 (for VIP seats). They can be bought at City Center, Lagoona and Landmark malls or online here. Also, if tickets are still available on match day, they can be purchased at Khalifa stadium. 

• You can watch the teams practice. Spain and Uruguay will partake in public training sessions on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at Khalifa Stadium. Uruguay, which has confirmed participation from Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlán and Luis Suárez, among others, will train from 5 to 6pm; and Spain, from 7 to 8pm. Gates 23 and 24 of the stadium will be open to the public from 4pm that day.

• While you’re there… Also on Tuesday, Qatar will play Malaysia for the 2015 Asian Cup Qualification at 6:30pm. Find more details on that here.

• The fun starts early on game day. Organizers told Doha News that there will be a pre-match festive fan zone starting at 4pm, which will offer games, exhibitions, and live entertainment that celebrate the best of Spanish, Uruguayan and Qatari culture.
• Bonus: Win tickets here. The organizers have given us three pairs of free tickets to pass along to you. Leave a comment on this post saying why you want to go and who you’re rooting for. We’ll do a random drawing on Monday to determine the winners.

****UPDATE: Congratulations winners: Ajvad Sayid Mohamed; Rami Mansour; and Tere Ocampo! Please send us your contact info at [email protected] and we’ll tell you how to get your tickets!****

Are you planning to go?

Credit: Photo courtesy of the Qatar Football Association