This year's Football World Cup in Qatar has been clouded in controversy since day one, with the nation's strict laws and alleged human rights violations raising questions over what the spectacle will look like.
But with four teams currently in Doha vying for the final two tournament spots - including the All Whites - the word on the street is positive.
The Qatari capital is beginning to look a lot like a city that’s ready to make history.
Eight world class air-conditioned venues will host the 22nd edition of the World Cup in Qatar - the first to be held in the Middle East.
The All Whites have already tested some of them before Wednesday's (NZ time) intercontinental playoff match against Costa Rica
"We train at a few different stadiums, so we're doing a bit of a stadium tour of Qatar here, but no, it's been fantastic," said NZ goalkeeper Oli Sail.
"The stadiums are state of the art," said midfielder Alex Grieve. "They are amazing to play in and amazing to train in even."
Just north of Doha is one of the more unique venues, shaped like a traditional tent. Al Bayt Stadium is where the World Cup will officially kick off, with Qatar taking on Ecuador.
Despite controversies surrounding Qatar’s human rights record, and laws, the fans making the trek for the first playoff match between Australia and Peru have found it so far so good.
"Everyone's so hospitable, so lovely," said one Aussie fan. "The football atmosphere is amazing - the trip of a lifetime."
Another said: "I think it's going to be a really good World Cup here, come November."
Said a Peruvian fan: "I like the city, I feel very good staying here with my team."
For the Kiwi families, the feeling's mutual.
"My first time here," said Lalala Stamenic, mother of All Whites midfielder Marco Stamenic. "It's a bit hot, but a good experience."
They hope the experience won't be their last.
"There's a lot of pressure, but as a team, we're handling it well," said Marco Stamenic. "We're ready to take them on."
The time for talking will soon be over, now another day closer to finding out which two nations will be back here in November.
Join us at 6am Wednesday for live updates of the All Whites v Costa Rica Football World Cup playoff
