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It’s 12 years since Qatar was announced as the host country for the men’s World Cup football tournament. Matches between the 32 finalists are about to begin and it’s already set to be a World Cup like no other. It’s the first to be held in the Middle East, and the first taking place at this time of year when several countries are usually in the middle of their domestic leagues.  
 
Awarding the event to Qatar was a controversial decision at the time and still is, on several levels. The country has strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and women's rights are the subject of ongoing debate. More recently, treatment of the 30,000 migrant labourers, who built many of the tournament's stadiums and infrastructure has been severely criticised.
 
In the run up to the tournament, FIFA, the sport’s governing body, has been urging teams to "focus on football", but some fans consider travelling to Qatar or staying away in protest an ethical decision.

James Reynolds has been talking to fans around the globe, including gay rights activists, and hears contrasting perspectives from women living in Qatar, as the eyes of the world turn to their country.

(Photo: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview - Doha, Qatar - November 14, 2022. Women walk through the Flag Plaza in Doha. Credit: Marko Djurica/REUTERS)