Haven't seen anyone discuss the physical venue but has anyone checked out Doha recently? Was last there in 2019 for the Club World Cup, and some stadiums were still in production. Have a diplomat contact there and according to him:
- So much more construction going on now as they prep for the proper.
- Airport security and immigration seem a lot quicker than in 2019. They've made some efforts to make it friendlier.
- Heat is somewhat tolerable for a Southeast Asian (I do remember how it was in December and it was fine but I still wonder how most players will cope haha).
- Public transport also seems to have improved. Buses and rails all shipping to and from stadiums.
Any of you gamblers gonna show up there?
This is a rather closed country, so the news from there does not come in as much as we would like. I am also interested to know at what stage the preparations for the championship are going on. As far as I remember, something very cool was planned there, like fully air-conditioned stadiums, I wonder if they were able to implement it?
As for the trip, I would not go even if I had the opportunity. Too big cultural differences.