Forget Qatar, could this be the best place to watch the World Cup 2022? We've seen reports of empty seats at stadiums, riot police dispersed and a disastrous camping set-up far from expectations - where people across the globe have paid thousands to stay by the stadium in sweltering tents.
But in a historic former railway station 4,000 miles away in rainy Manchester city centre, it's another story. Road to Victory at Depot Mayfield claims to be the biggest World Cup fan zone in Europe, with massive screens - including a 140 square meter screen larger than any cinema screen - immersive lighting and obviously no shortage of pints.
Admittedly not much of a football fan, you could say I'm a glory supporter, usually only tuning in to show my backing once my home nation's team makes the quarterfinals in renowned championships like the Euros and World Cup.
And this year comes with its exigent controversies, being hosted in a country with abhorrent human rights laws on top of allegations of modern slavery.
My conscience feels uneasy and even more so for today's game of England v Iran - where Mahsa Amini protests are ongoing.
She died on 16 September after being detained by morality police in the capital, Tehran, for not wearing a hijab 'in accordance with government standards'.
But it's easy to get wrapped up in the true spirit of football and push all the hatred in the world to the back of the mind from the moment you step foot inside Mayfield - which is also home to Manchester's notorious nightlife event Warehouse Project.
There are thousands of buoyant fans in England shirts and matching bucket hats eagerly awaiting their favourite players to come out onto the pitch.
Already echoes of "Come on England!" fill the immense space while red and white flashing lights line the ceiling.
Unsurprisingly it's not at its capacity of 6,000 on a Monday afternoon but supporters from near and far have made a good effort to show up for their team.
There's an expansive seated area with a laid-back vibe, but over in the standing room is where the rowdiest lot are - one with MAGUIRE written on his chest that he bears every few minutes.
A few ring leaders at the very front get the crowd going, encouraging an eruption of synchronised cheers and chants, including the gift that came from the Euros - Atomic Kitten's 'Southgate You're the One (Football's Coming Home Again)'.
Students Ciaran, 19, and Joe, 18, are here in a group of ten - one says his afternoon lecture was cancelled, conveniently, the other says he skipped it.
They excitedly came down to be a part of the atmosphere, as did Rick Hartley.
The 30-year-old thought it essential to book the day off work to give the game his full attention and the fact it's in Qatar hasn't stopped him.
"You can support your team without supporting where it is," he says, before telling me his pessimistic score prediction of 1-0 to England.
When the game gets underway, the energy is electric and with each goal from England, the fans in the crowd jump with joy in unison.
It's carnage, with people running to hug each other, spraying their beers in the air.
The giant glistening disco ball above them illuminates and spins, with laser lights in a multitude of colours shooting across the room, making it feel like you've been invited to a proper party.
In contrast, every time an Iran supporter is shown on the screen, a low grumble of boos pours out.
In one corner there's a group of guys doing press-ups after each goal, which I assume is a forfeit for not betting the right number of goals. Although I'm not sure anyone expected the impressive 6-2 win to England.
Southgate's team is not messing about and this is just the start, with many fans vowing to return for each England fixture at the venue.
That's what sisters Katie Rice and Vicky Bedford, who travelled from Grimsby, plan on doing, and say Christmas present shopping is now out the window.
The pair have been cheering on the Lionesses over the summer and say it's now the men's turn to bring it home.
"The men need to bring it home, if the women can do it the men can do it," Vicky asserts.
Beaming Katie chips in: "It's absolutely coming home; it's coming home for Christmas".
Road to Victory is showing all the England games and is presented by AIX Live.
David Norris, heading up the event, adds: "The World Cup is not just about supporting England, it’s an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate victory.
"This year, more fans than ever will be supporting from home in the UK, so the team at Road to Victory wanted to create an electric and immersive experience for fans to celebrate in Manchester.
"As Manchester and Europe's largest fan zone with over 100,000 square foot of World Cup action at Depot Mayfield, we're guaranteeing the best atmosphere anywhere in the world to watch the action.
"We're showing all England games - and only six more to go until victory."
For more information and tickets, head to their website here.
