Doha, 20 Nov 2022

First ever FIFA World Cup in Middle East and 2nd time in Asia took off with a style and spectacular opening ceremony by Hollywood super star, narator and director Morgan Freeman;  world renowned South Korean BTS star singer Jungkook; Qatari Singer Fahad AlKubaisi delivered a message of unity and inclusivity.

Opening ceremony will be followed by Tournament's first match between the host country Qatar, former Asian Champion with Ecuador.

32 teams will compete across 64 matches in the 22nd edition of the  FIFA World Cup between 20th Nov to 18 December 2022

 The Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani inaugurated the official ceremony of 22nd FIFA World Cup this evening at the AlBayt Stadium, AlKhor.

Present on the occasion were Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa AlThani; UN Secretary General Antonio Guterrres; FIFA President Givanni Vincenzo Infantino; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; Algerian President Adelmadjid Tabboune; Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi; Jordan King Abdullah 11 bin Hussein; Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia,  Prince Mohammed bin Salman AlSaud;  Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar; Vice Predident, Prime Minister of UAE and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum; large number of dignitaries along with 60,000 fans.

In his opening remarks, Amir of Qatar welcomed everyone to the World Cup 2022 from Qatar, an Arab country.  HH said that 'we worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful tournaments. We have exerted all efforts and invested for the good of all humanity.