Carles Puyol and fans arrive at Doha airport

Crowds of international fans poured into Hamad International Airport in Doha on the eve of the World Cup tournament.Among the faces that emerged into the arrival hall was that of Spanish former football player Carles Puyol, who played for Barcelona.

Puyol surprised fans and stopped to take photos.Qatar will be the home of the FIFA World Cup beginning Nov. 20, marking the first time the Mideast has hosted the world-watched tournament.

This year's World Cup also marks the first time it will be played in November and December, in part due to the sweltering summer heat of this small, energy-rich desert sheikhdom on the Arabian Peninsula.