World Cup 2022

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      Stuart Pearce backs Gareth Southgate to make right calls when naming England World Cup squad despite selection headache

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      STUART PEARCE has told Gareth Southgate to ignore the noise and stick to his gut when it comes to his England squad selection.The Three Lions’ 26-man travelling party for the Qatar World Cup will be announced on Thursday after months of anticipation and debate.
      Gareth Southgate has been backed to make the right calls with his England squad announcementCredit: Reuters
      Stuart Pearce believes everyone should have faith in Southgate’s selectionCredit: The Sun
      The England boss has some big calls to make, including whether to pick the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Maddison and Ivan Toney.
      Southgate has been criticised in the past for playing it too safe with his selections, especially heading into major tournaments.
      But ex-England defender Pearce – who made 78 appearances for his country – says his old teammate’s record of getting it right are clear for all to see.
      Asked if Southgate needs to stick to his gut, Pearce said: “Exactly that. We are doing a lot of things right.
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      “If we roll the clock back to last April or May and asked the same question, I don’t think there would be any doubters.
      “What we have had is a tough Nations League on the back of a really long season. That tells you everything.
      “But we have one of the most level people we will ever have in charge of our national team.
      “He is a brilliant ambassador for the nation and I personally think whilst he comes across as an affable person, which he is, he also makes tough judgement calls.
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      “He understands that whatever team he picks, he will potentially get criticised.
      “But, he has got most of his team selections correct over time. You don’t get to finals or semi-finals unless you have.”
      The competition for places will see several big stars left at home, but Pearce believes that should only be viewed as a positive for English football.
      He said: “If we all knew which team and which squad were going, that means we haven’t got a wealth of players.
      “Someone like James Maddison hasn’t been picked in the last few squads but he has been playing well. Ivan Toney is playing well for his club, Callum Wilson too.
      “There are certain players outside the last squad that are actually not getting in. The more players we have vying for spots in the squad, it has got to be a good thing.”
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      Pearce feels Southgate’s biggest dilemma is whether to include Leicester playmaker Maddison after his surge in form, adding: “For James, the problem is playing in a position where we have so much talent. Gareth will be aware of that.”
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      World Cup fans hoping to dodge £13-a-pint prices face a Qatar happy-hour ban

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      WORLD Cup fans face the sobering prospect of a Qatar happy-hour ban.England and Wales supporters had hoped to dodge £13-a-pint prices.
      Licenced hotels fear they will be overwhelmed by more than a million thirsty fansCredit: Getty
      But licenced hotels, the only places normally selling booze in the Muslim desert state, fear they will be overwhelmed by more than a million thirsty footie followers from around the globe.
      And leading chains have responded by banning popular happy-hour reductions.
      They have also axed boozy “bottomless” brunches — or have ramped up the prices.
      Friday and Saturday brunch prices at the Four Seasons Hotel bar in the capital Doha will soar from £130 to £306 for the tournament.
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      Its happy hours offering all-you-can-drink bottled beer for £42 have been halted.
      The five-star Kempinski has stopped cut-price sessions too, charging £11 a bottle instead of a “bargain” £8.40.
      A Four Seasons worker said: “We wouldn’t cope if thousands tried to take advantage of our happy hours.”
      Fan zone prices have yet to be set. Insiders estimate £7-a-pint.
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      1966 coin is tossed up in sale
      THE coin used for the toss before the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley is up for auction.
      Memorabilia collector Bryan Horsnell was given it directly by Swiss referee Gottfried Dienst.
      The 1966-dated coin may fetch up to £2,000 at a World Cup Memorabilia sale in London next week.
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      Hundreds of lots include Sir Geoff Hurst’s 1970 shirt, which could sell for £3,000.
      A Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to 1966 commentary legend and RAF volunteer Kenneth Wolstenholme is set to go for at least £10,000. More

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      Wales squad for 2022 World Cup named as boss Rob Page admits Gareth Bale might NOT play against England in group stage

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      WALES have announced their World Cup squad with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey set to lead the charge in Qatar. Rob Page has announced his 26-man team a day before Gareth Southgate will do the same – but has admitted star man Bale may not play every group stage game.
      Gareth Bale is looking to lead Wales to World Cup glory when he takes the Dragons to QatarCredit: Getty
      The Dragons’ squad saw no major shocks or admissions but Ipswich’s Wes Burns and QPR loanee Tyler Roberts were the biggest names to miss out on the trip to Qatar.
      There had also been doubts over Joe Allen after the midfielder missed Swansea’s last 10 games with injury.
      But the 32-year-old has made the squad despite his fitness issues.
      Page has admitted he does not know if Bale can play every game with the 33-year-old short on match fitness after his summer move to America.
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      Asked if Bale can play against England, the US and Iran, he said: “That’s the million dollar question. We don’t know, we’ll assess each game as it comes.
      “We’re fully focused on the first game. Hopefully we get off to a positive start, which is not losing the game (against the USA).
      “We’ll have a plan moving forward for the second one. If he’s part of that, great. If he’s not, we’ll manage the minutes.”
      Premier League names such as the Nottingham Forest duo Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams, Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham and Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu are all part of the squad.
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      Wales’ World Cup campaign begins in only 12 days with a highly-anticipated clash with the USA in Group B on November 21.
      Four days later they play Iran in a game Page and co will be targeting for three points.
      And then they face England in the huge battle of Britain game on November 29.
      Wales squad
      Goalkeepers:Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Stoke City).
      Defenders: Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Joe Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town).
      Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Matthew Smith (Milton Keynes Dons), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town).
      Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds United), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest). More

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      Explosive Netflix doc alleges Qatar World Cup chief ‘offered THREE African nations £1.3m to back 2022 bid’

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      A MEMBER of Qatar’s World Cup bid has sensationally claimed three African officials were offered money to back the Arab nation in its bid for the tournament.They are claimed to have been offered £1.3million in exchange for their vote.
      Qatar were confirmed as 2022 World Cup hosts in 2010Credit: AP
      Hassan Al Thawadi is alleged to have offered money to three African nationsCredit: AP
      Phaedra Almajid, in charge of international press for the bid, made the allegations in the explosive new Netflix series, Fifa Uncovered.
      Qatar won hosting rights for the 2022 tournament in a Fifa vote ahead of Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the USA.
      And Almaji alleges Hassan Al Thawadi, the head of the bid, offered money to Fifa chiefs from Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Nigeria in order to secure their vote.
      Al Thawadi is now Secretary General of the Supreme Committee in charge of the 2022 World Cup.
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      He is claimed to have made the offer to Issa Hayatou (Cameroon), Jacques Anouma (Ivory Coast), and Amos Adamu (Nigeria).
      Almajid told the doc: “We were talking about how Africa had been given its chance to host the World Cup and how the Arab world should be given their chance, and then Hassan offered Hayatou $1 million for Hayatou’s football federation [Cameroon] and in return we wanted his vote.
      “I remember there just being laughter and then him saying that is not enough, and so the price was upped to $1.5 million (£1.3m) — just like that. It was just so simple: ‘We will give you this money for your football federation, you give us your vote and thank you so much.’
      “One by one we did the same thing with Anouma and Adamu. $1.5 million was offered to each member that evening in exchange for their vote. It was verbal, I never saw money.”
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      Almajid alleges the offer came at a meeting of African football federations in January 2010, just under a year before the Fifa vote for the 2022 host nation.
      All three African officials have denied any wrongdoing.
      Almajid claims the proposed money was made to the federations, rather than the individuals themselves.
      She added: “It was made very clear the money was going to football, it was never said it is going into your pocket, I do need to emphasise that. Where it ended up I have no idea.
      “Before I went back to my hotel room, Hassan told me, ‘You never repeat this ever again to anyone’ and I was like, ‘OK.’”
      Al Thawadi has strongly denied the claims.
      He said: “My reaction, especially on the Phaedra situation, it’s frustration.”
      “They are inherently false and there are facts on the ground that prove they are false.”
      Almajid anonymously revealed the alleged offers to the Sunday Times after being sacked by Qatar’s bid, and later signed a statement withdrawing her claims.
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      Detailing why, Almajid explained in the doc: “I’m starting to get threats, anonymous calls, emails, social media.
      “I was basically told either you sign an affidavit stating that you lied or else we are legally going to come after you.” More

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      France World Cup squad named as Deschamps gambles on crocked Man Utd star Raphael Varane and big-name forwards axed

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      FRANCE have named their 25-man squad for the Qatar World Cup – and there is room for crocked Man United star Raphael Varane.Didier Deschamps’ side are looking to defend their 2018 crown in the Middle East this month.
      Raphael Varane will have the chance to defend his World Cup after making France’s squad for QatarCredit: Getty
      And the France boss has named a strong group with plenty of quality firepower.
      But he has also opted to include injured United defender Varane.
      The centre-back has been missing for weeks with a hamstring problem.
      And there were serious doubts over whether he would make it in time for the competition.
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      But Varane will be heading to Qatar to defend his World Cup crown after convincing Deschamps he is fit enough to feature.
      Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga got a call-up despite reports in France suggesting he would be left out.
      However, there was no room for AC Milan goalie Mike Maignan or Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy.
      Other big names to miss out include Man Utd’s Anthony Martial, Sevilla’s Wissam Ben Yedder, Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne.
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      France’s confirmed World Cup squadGOALIES

      Hugo Lloris – Tottenham

      Steven Mandanda – Stade Rennais

      Alphonse Areola – West Ham

      DEFENDERS

      Benjamin Pavard – Bayern Munich

      Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool

      Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich

      William Saliba – Arsenal

      Jules Kounde – Barcelona

      Raphael Varane – Man Utd

      Lucas Hernandez – Bayern Munich

      Theo Hernandez – AC Milan

      Presnel Kimpembe –PSG

      MIDFIELDERS

      Aurelien Tchouameni – Real Madrid

      Jordan Veretout – Marseille

      Matteo Guendouzi – Marseille

      Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid

      Adrien Rabiot – Juventus

      Youssouf Fofana – Monaco

      FORWARDS

      Kylian Mbappe – PSG

      Kingsley Coman – Bayern Munich

      Ousmane Dembele – Barcelona

      Christopher Nkunku – RB Leipzig

      Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid

      Karim Benzema – Real Madrid

      Olivier Giroud – AC Milan

      Otherwise it is business as usual for France.
      Deschamps has named three goalkeepers in his side, with captain and Tottenham star Hugo Lloris joined by West Ham’s Alphonse Areola and Stade Rennais’ Steve Mandanda.
      As for right-backs, France have opted for Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard and Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.
      And on the left, Milan’s Theo Hernandez and PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe are the preferred choice.
      There’s plenty of options at centre-back too, with Arsenal’s William Saliba, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Man Utd’s Varane in alongside Bayern Munich duo Lucas Hernandez and Dayot Upamecano.
      Midfield was the main area of concern for Deschamps, with N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba both missing through injury.
      And joining Veretout are Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot, Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana and Marseille teammate Matteo Guendouzi, plus Real Madrid’s Aurelian Tchouameni and Camavinga.
      But it’s in attack where France will shine, with Deschamps giving himself plenty of options.
      The wide players consist of PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, Bayern’s Kingsley Coman and Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele.
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      There are two link-up forwards in RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.
      Finally, there are two further No9s consisting of Real’s Karim Benzema and Milan’s Olivier Giroud. More

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      Rashford and White ‘set to be named in England’s 26-man World Cup squad but Southgate to snub Sancho and Maddison’

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is reportedly set to include Marcus Rashford and Ben White in his 26-man England squad for Qatar.But it’s claimed both James Maddison and Jadon Sancho are both set for World Cup heartbreak.
      Ben White and Marcus Rashford will both reportedly be in England’s World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      James Maddison is set for World Cup heartbreakCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho will also be left out, according to reportsCredit: Getty
      Three Lions gaffer Southgate will announce his squad for Qatar on Thursday, with England’s first game less than two weeks away.
      And Manchester United star Rashford will be IN, according to the Guardian.
      The 25-year-old has not featured for Southgate since the Euros, but a stunning start to life under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford has seen the forward force himself back into international contention.
      Elsewhere the Guardian say Arsenal defender White is set to replace the devastated Reece James, who has confirmed he will be missing the tournament, in the squad.
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      White has excelled at right-back for the Gunners this season, helping Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the Premier League.
      Maddison, on the other hand, is set for heartbreak.
      The Leicester playmaker has scored six goals and provided four assists in 12 Prem games this season, but is not reportedly deemed worthy of a seat on the plane.
      The same can be said for Sancho, although the United man has not reached the same heights as Maddison this term.
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      While James is set to miss out through injury, it is claimed Kyle Walker will be included.
      The Manchester City defender is expected to be on the plane, despite not playing since undergoing groin surgery last month.
      His City team-mate, Kalvin Phillips, had shoulder surgery in September but is also likely to be in the squad. He was on the bench for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea.
      Up front, the understudy to Harry Kane has been a hot topic of debate.
      Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Roma ace Tammy Abraham – who scored on Wednesday night – are waiting nervously on their inclusion, according to the Telegraph.
      Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, who has netted six goals in 10 Prem games this season, could be called up instead.
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      At the back, White’s inclusion could make it a shootout between Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi for the final defender spot.
      While in the middle, Chelsea pair Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher are both reportedly set to miss out.
      Kyle Walker has not played since the start of OctoberCredit: Getty
      Kalvin Phillips had shoulder surgery in September, but is reportedly expected to be in the squadCredit: PA More

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      Top 10 biggest World Cup wins ever and Germany’s 7-1 demolition over Brazil doesn’t even make the cut

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      THE World Cup never fails to produce some shocking results and the list of the top ten biggest wins proves that.Germany’s demolition of Brazil in 2014 is one that immediately pops into people’s minds, while the 2018 tournament included some high-scoring affairs.
      Brazil were heavily beaten by Germany 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup finals.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      England thrashed Panama 6-1, Belgium hit five past Tunisia in their 5-2 win and Russia started the tournament with a thrilling 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
      However, none of these games have made the top ten in terms of the biggest wins in World Cup history.
      Here are the ten thrashings that fans will be hoping their sides can emulate at the World Cup in Qatar this month.
      = 7. Portugal 7-0 DPR Korea – 2010
      Raul Meireles scored the first goal for Portugal in their 7-0 win over DPR Korea in 2010.Credit: EPA
      Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first international goal for over a year, although it turned out to be the only one of the tournament for the current Manchester United forward.
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      Raul Meireles, Simao, Hugo Almeida, Liedson and Tiago (two) also scored in the match for Portugal, although the side would exit the tournament in the round of 16 atthe hands of Spain.
      =7. Poland 7-0 Haiti – 1974
      Poland showed their power against Haiti as they won 7-0.Credit: AFP
      A perfect game for Poland in which Andrzej Szarmach netted a hat-trick.
      Grzegorz Lato (two), Jerzy Gorgon, and Kazimierz Deyna also got on the scoresheet as the side went on to finish third in the tournament.
      =7. Turkey 7-0 Korea Republic – 1954
      Turkey’s Suat Mamat netted a brace against Korea Republic in their 7-0 win.Credit: Getty
      The 1954 World Cup in Switzerland threw up some spectacular scorelines and Turkey’s thrashing of Korea Republic was just one of them.
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      Burhan Sargun bagged a hat trick and was joined on the scoresheet by Suat Mamat, Erol Keskin and Lefter Kucukandonyadis
      =7. Uruguay 7-0 Scotland – 1954
      Scottish goalkeeper Fred Martin was unable to stop the flow of goals from Uruguay.Credit: Getty
      Scotland’s first World Cup did not go well as they lost both of their games.
      Against Uruguay Carlos Borges got himself a hat-trick, while Oscar Miguez and Julio Abbadie both scored twice.
      =4. Germany 8-0 Saudi Arabia – 2002
      Miroslav Klose was on fire in Germany’s win over Saudi Arabia in 2002.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Germany opened the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea in electric fashion as they hammered Saudi Arabia.
      Miroslav Klose scored three and was joined by Michael Ballack, Carsten Jancker, Thomas Linke, Oliver Bierhoff and Bernd Schneider on the scoresheet.
      =4. Uruguay 8-0 Bolivia – 1950
      Uruguay went on to win the tournament after beating BoliviaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After France withdrew from the tournament in Brazil, eventual winners Uruguay only played one group game, but certainly proved their credentials against Bolivia.
      A hat-trick for Oscar Míguez helped them on their way to their brilliant victory, and he would finish as the second-highest scorer in the tournament only behind Brazil’s Ademir.
      =4. Sweden 8-0 Cuba – 1938
      Swedish fans saw two of their players score hat-tricks in their impressive win over Cuba.Credit: Getty
      Going way back now, but Sweden’s destruction of Cuba in the quarter-finals remains one of the greatest wins.
      Both Harry Andersson and Gustav Wetterstrom scored hat-tricks, while Tore Keller and Arne Nyberg also found the net.
      =2. Yugoslavia 9-0 Zaire – 1974
      Zaire goalkeeper Tubilandu Ndimbi was not able to stop Yugoslavia’s powerful attackers.
      Zaire, now known as DR Congo, did not enjoy their World Cup campaign as they lost to Scotland 2-0 before their hammering by Yugoslavia.
      Dusan Bajevic starred in the game as he scored a hat-trick while six other players also grabbed a goal.
      =2. Hungary 9-0 South Korea – 1954
      Hungary has made the list of biggest wins in World Cup history twice.Credit: Getty
      Ferenc Puskas scored the first and last goal of the game as Hungary made clear their aim of winning the tournament.
      They would go on to the final but missed out on the trophy as they were beaten 3-2 by West Germany.
      1. Hungary 10-1 El Salvador – 1982
      Hungary’s 10-1 win over El Salvador is the biggest win in World Cup history.Credit: Getty
      Laszlo Kiss scored a hat-trick in the match after coming on as a substitute.Credit: Getty
      After qualifying for the World Cup amidst an ongoing civil war in their own country, El Salvador were not able to compete.
      They were thrashed by Hungary as substitute Laszlo Kiss scored a seven-minute hat-trick.
      However, neither team made it out of the group as they both fell behind Belgium and Argentina. More

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      First look inside tiny £200 a night World Cup 2022 accommodation with fans in Qatar squeezing into ‘shipping containers’

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      FOOTBALL FANS have had a sneak peek into the tiny £200-a-night shipping container-style rooms that await them in Qatar.The World Cup is less than two weeks away with footie supporters set to descend on the small Gulf nation in their thousands.
      The portable rooms stretch as far as the eye can see with accommodation set up for 60,000 travelling fansCredit: AFP
      The fan villages will also see big screens set up so supporters can watch the gamesCredit: Reuters
      Tiny rooms will provide shelter for fans for the duration of the tournamentCredit: AFP
      Qatar have been frantically setting up infrastructure to handle the influx of supporters from across the world.
      New images from the Al-Emadi fan village show just what travellers will be in for with shipping container-style rooms set up across the desert.
      Pictures show the inside to be made up of either two single beds or a double bed inside cramped rooms.
      Toilets, mini-fridge and tea and coffee-making facilities are also visible in the images.
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      Staff have been hard at work in recent weeks preparing the portable rooms, which are preparing to host up to 60,000 fans.
      The rooms are all side-by-side and stretch across large fields as Qatar looks to make space for the mass of visitors.
      Pictures also show large portable gazebos set up as dining halls for hungry fans.
      Computer-generated images had previously given fans a insight into what they could expect.
      Qatar has a population of just over 2.9million peopleCredit: Reuters
      Fans are set for a unique experience at the 2022 Qatar World CupCredit: AFP
      Alcohol is not as freely-available in Qatar and could represent a different experience for fansCredit: Reuters
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      Along with the unusual accommodation, the World Cup promises to be an unusual one for other reasons.
      Due to Qatar’s strict alcohol laws, the regular tournament sight of drunk, shirtless fans will be less common.
      Alcohol can only be sold and drank in hotel restaurants and bars that have licences and fan zones at particular times.
      It is not known if the fan villages where the portable rooms are will be included as areas where fans are allowed to drink.
      The legal drinking age in the country is also 21 and bouncers are expected to ask for photo ID or passports before entry.
      Qatar is also very strict when it comes it comes to drugs and anyone caught in possession could face severe penalties such as a long-term prison sentence or deportation.
      The World Cup has been shrouded in controversy ever since it was awarded over the country’s view of homosexuality and human rights.
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      There’s also been anger over the amount of migrant workers who have died while building stadiums for the tournament.
      Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter admitted earlier this week that awarding the World Cup rights to Qatar was a “mistake”.
      Controversy has greeted the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar since the announcement was madeCredit: Reuters
      Qatar has been scrambling for months to ensure the country is ready for thousands of football fansCredit: AFP
      The World Cup begins in just 11 daysCredit: Reuters More