With a beautiful opening ceremony, the FIFA World Cup 2022 kicked off at the Al-Bayt Stadium ahead of the tournament’s opener match between host nation, Qatar, and Ecuador.
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| Opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar at the Al Bayt Stadium. Photo: @fifaworldcup |
Hollywood actor, Morgan Freeman, featured in the festivities as well as Qatari YouTuber Ghanim Al-Muftah.
Jung Kook, a South Korean pop star, sang Dreamers, the song of the tournament alongside singer Fahad Al Kubaisi, from Qatar, at the Stadium in Al Khor.
Morgan Freeman told the crowd, “everyone is welcome”.
Freeman was greeted by cheers, during the first dance routine, as he came out in the stadium alongside Al Muftah, who was born with the rare Caudal Regression Syndrome.
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, told the crowd: “People of different races, nationalities, creeds and orientations will gather here in Qatar and around screens on all continents to share the same exciting moments.”
World leaders who were present at the opening ceremony includes: Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, President’s of Egypt, Turkey and Algeria, alongside the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), and a host of others.
The ceremony ended with a display of fireworks.
More photos ⬇️
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| American actor Morgan Freeman features in the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar. Photo: @fifaworldcup |
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| South Korean pop star Jung Kook performing at the FIFA World Cup 2022 opening ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar. Photo: @fifaworldcup |
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| La’eeb, the tournament mascot, floated above the pitch during the ceremony. Photo: @fifaworldcup |
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| From Left: Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman, Qatari singer Dana al-Fardan, Ghanim Al-Muftah. Photo: Getty Images via BBC |
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| The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony ended with a display of fireworks. Photo: Getty Images via BBC |
