The 2022 FIFA World Cup begins in Qatar on November 20, with the hosts taking on Ecuador in the opening game at the Al Bayt Stadium.
However, the competition has faced major attention before a ball has even been kicked in the Middle East, with Qatar representing the first Arab state to host the tournament.
Following FIFA's decision to grant host status to Qatar in 2010, competition officials developed a thorough plan to facilitate the tournament's arrival, with much international focus on the local laws that fans from around the world will have to abide by during their stay.
Supporters will have to be wary over rules on alcohol, sex, COVID-19 quarantine and LGBTQ+ rights — all of which will be strictly enforced ahead of the big kickoff.
MORE: FIFA World Cup schedule 2022: Complete match dates, times, fixtures
Laws in Qatar for World Cup visitors
Advice surrounding fans travelling to Qatar has been clear from international governments, with specific guidance in place to highlight potential cultural and legal differences.
Official guidance from the US authorities, for example, provides fans following the USMNT with an overview of what to avoid in Qatar to prevent a potential law break, including firm advice on drug use, importing restricted products, alcohol consumption and dress code.
Qatar alcohol and drinking laws
Questions over how Qatar will balance their laws on alcohol sales and consumption have posed an issue for local authorities ahead of the competition.
Local law and customs reflect the fact that Qatar is an Islamic country, with fans being reminded by authorities to respect the rules at all times and ensure their actions do not offend.
Rules on alcohol only being available to visitors aged 21+ at licensed hotels, bars and restaurants will remain in place and there are strict laws against bringing alcohol into the country and being drunk in a public place.
FIFA previously confirmed that match ticket holders for World Cup games would be allowed to purchase and drink alcohol in "select areas" inside the stadium perimeter before and after games.
However, on November 18, FIFA U-turned on that decision with a fresh statement after seemingly coming under pressure from Qatar's Al Thani royal family to review the alcohol policy at stadiums.
FIFA said: "Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.
"There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar's World Cup stadiums.
"Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.
"The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev's understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."
Budweiser, the official beer sponsor of the tournament, made their feelings clear about the situation by tweeting: "Well, this is awkward..." before then deleting it.
Fans will be allowed to buy alcohol and consume it at the designated FIFA fan festival in Doha's Al Bidda Park after 18:30 local time.
However, the majority of the rule relaxations relate only to fans with official tickets, and drinking outside of pre-approved zones will not be permitted by Qatari law.
Qatar COVID-19 quarantine and mask rules
Qatar announced on October 26 that it would be updating its national regulations surrounding COVID-19 in advance of the tournament.
The latest rules mean visitors are no longer required to present negative tests on entry. The Qatari government has also scrapped the requirement on visitors to download the official Qatar health authority contact tracing app, Ehteraz, on a digital device prior to leaving their accommodation.
Previously, visitors had been required to show their vaccination status on the Ehteraz app to enter most public locations, with access potentially restricted to certain venues. The app will now only be necessary for entry to health facilities.
Mask wearing is no longer legally required in public places, with the latest announcement removing the requirement to wear face masks on the metro. Coverings are now only generally necessary in health facilities and some offices.
What are Qatar's sex laws?
Laws surrounding sex and non-marital relations will be enforced for the World Cup, Qatari officials have confirmed.
Any acts deemed as "excessively intimate" by authorities between men and women in public can lead to arrest.
Living together whilst unmarried is prohibited in Qatar — with an exemptions in place for hotel stays, which means the majority of World Cup fans should not have an issue — and sex outside of marriage, regardless of whether same-sex couples or opposite-sex couples, is illegal.
Breaking of these specific laws can lead to fines, imprisonment and deportation for visitors.
Can LGBTQ+ fans be arrested at the World Cup?
Qatar laws on LGBTQ+ rights have received international attention and condemnation ahead of the World Cup arriving in the Middle East.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and authorities have reaffirmed their position on intimacy between persons in public being classed as offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent.
The official line focuses primarily on public displays of sexuality but local customs on LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms are significantly restricted.
World Cup chiefs have repeatedly stressed that anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, can come "without fear of any sort of repercussions." However, it is likely that any form of protest specifically against Qatar's LGBTQ+ stance will be viewed dimly by local authorities.