Rio de Janeiro, Nov 8 (IANS): The Arena Pantanal in the World Cup host city of Cuiaba is 85 percent ready, according to latest reports.

It is now expected that the brand new stadium should be ready by the end of December, the deadline stipulated for FIFA for the six remaining World Cup stadiums to be completed, reports Xinhua.

Serious delays had hit the building project earlier this year and Cuiaba ran the risk of missing out on the World Cup altogether.

Polycarbonate walls are being installed to protect fans from strong rain. June and July, when the World Cup will be played, is rainy season in Brazil's Centre-West and spectators need protection from potential downpours.

Eleven of the 16 covers are already in place across the East and West stands. The North and South sectors are currently being fitted with a metallic roof.

Upon completion, the Arena Pantanal will be capable of holding 44,000 fans, although that number is expected to be reduced after the tournament.