Inside "life changing" World Cup fan zone as chiefs send warning to England fans

World Cup chiefs unveiled their 'mega' fan zone in Qatar today - with a pledge to cater for 40,000 supporters a day.

The 300,000ft² site offers mini-football games, cafes, bars, and the FIFA museum - housing the World Cup trophy for the duration of the tournament. It serves alcohol free lager by day at £6.91 for half a litre, with a bottle of water costing £2.30.

After 6.30pm, fans can buy half a litre of Budweiser (.88 of a pint) for £12. A greek salad is £9, with pizza for £8-a-slice. There will be areas set aside for drinking, including the areas in front of massive screens which will show four games a day.

There will also be concerts every evening - in between games - by a mix of local and international artists. Located close to the city's famous Corniche walkway, it is designed to offer fans 'football, music, food, games and culture'.

The famous golden Jules Rimet trophy has pride of place in the museum, presented by 2010 player of the tournament, former Man Utd striker Diego Forlan of Uruguay on Wednesday.

Gerdine Lindhout, FIFA head of fans' experience, stressed that all LGBT+ fans would be welcome and free to express themselves. She said: "They can share the experience and enjoy it with their partners. You cannot get into trouble for that. England fans should come here and enjoy the experience. It can be life changing."

She said that the World Cup was for 'everybody' to enjoy, regardless of sexual orientation or religion. "Of course we want everyone to enjoy the experience. Our statute states that it is for every person, every religion," she added.

She urged 'moderation' for fans drinking alcohol due to the extreme 31C (88F) heat currently being experienced in Qatar. Organisers say the local laws, and heat, were taken into account on the decision to serve booze in the evenings only.

Alcohol is normally only served in hotels or bars, or to locals under licence. It is illegal to drink or be drunk in public places. Fans are being advised not to bring in any booze - even duty free. But Ms Lindhour promised that Qatar 2022 would surprise people.

"We have an exciting programme of events," she said.

A local committee spokesman added: "The Fan Festival is an official event site and the central location where fans from all over the world will meet to celebrate the unique atmosphere."

A masked camel, a falcon, a karaoke-style singer and a 4.39am call to prayer welcomed England to Qatar as their World Cup campaign began in earnest. Their team HQ, The Souq hotel in Al Wakra, laid on the camel - wearing a mask to make sure it did not bite - and falcon for the team as they arrived at their hotel shortly before 10pm on Monday, along with a local singer.

The hotel inner courtyard with a new pool was bathed in Three Lions red as Harry Kane and his side were serenaded with a rendition of Robbie Williams 'Angels' and Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless) by Crystal Waters, which features the chorus 'La Da Dee La Da Da."

Locals near the Souq, the local market, explained that the team will hear six calls to prayer from dawn to dusk every day - starting at first light, 4.39am, today.

The rooms have 2ft thick walls. But it was likely to give most of the 24-man squad an early wake up call on their first day in Qatar.

The camel and falconer were led into the back of the hotel for the welcome ceremony shortly before manager Gareth Southgate led his side inside at around 9.30pm local time. Falcons are popular in the Arab state, with the birds sold in the markets of Doha.

Read more

Qatar World Cup 2022

England stars prepare for training

Qatari officials threaten reporter

Qatar life for PL stars & families

Kane makes Golden Boot prediction