Brazil's Arena Pantanal World Cup stadium reached 95% completion on Monday following the installation of 100 solar panels on the venue's roof.

The stadium in the western city of Cuiaba is earmarked to be ready by mid-March, almost three months after the deadline set by world football's governing body FIFA, Folha de S.Paulo reported.

The first match at the venue will pit local club Mixto against Brazilian giants Santos in the first phase of the Copa do Brasil on April 2.

According to local officials, the photovoltaic panels will convert the sun's radiation into electric energy to power the venue's hot water system.

When complete, the stadium will boast a capacity of 43,500 spectators.

It will host four World Cup group matches between June 13 and 24.