FIFA 2022 kickstarts with spectacular opening ceremony: host Qatar meets Ecuador in first match

Doha: Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman extended one yellow-gloved hand to a FIFA World Cup ambassador who had a rare spinal disease in an effort to symbolise inclusivity in a nation that was under criticism from other countries for its treatment of human rights.

It wasn't the highlight of the seven-act World Cup opening ceremony on Sunday before Qatar and Ecuador's opener. The leaders of the Middle East and Africa who were seated in the lavish suites at the Bedouin-tent-inspired Al Bayt Stadium received the loudest applause.

In fact, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received thunderous applause for his brief Arabic statement that he delivered from the suite.

"How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time," Sheikh Tamim said, his words translated into English on a video screen inside the stadium.

"I wish all the participating teams a magnificent football performance, high sportsmanship, and a time full of joy, excitement and delight for you all," he continued. "And let there be days that are inspiring with goodness and hope."

He then said, "I welcome you and good luck to all," in his only words spoken in English.

Creative director Ahmad Al Baker wanted the ceremony to signify "a gathering for all mankind, an invitation to come together as one, bridging all differences with humanity, respect and inclusion."

During the opening ceremony, a section named "The Calling" was narrated by Hollywood star Morgan Freeman. Ghanim Al Muftah, the FIFA World Cup Ambassador, joined him.

In the segment, Freeman said, "What unites us is greater than what divides us. We are one big tribe and the Earth is our tent. Together we can make the call for everyone to unite."

He added, "This is a call to the whole world. Soccer brings people and nations together. There is a common thread of hope and respect. Soccer expands the world, it unites nations in their love for this precious game. What brings nations together, brings communities together. We all have a soccer history, and so does Qatar."

Jungkook, a member of the K-pop group BTS, performed at the ceremony with Qatari artist Fahad Al Kubaisi, singing the new FIFA song "Dreamers." The enthusiastic and catchy song "Dreamers" effectively captured the buildup to the FIFA World Cup.

Qatar vs Ecuador match

Almoez Ali, the top scorer for the hosts Qatar, and teammate Akram Afif started the World Cup opener against Ecuador having Moises Caicedo anchoring the midfield and top scorer Enner Valencia leading the attack as captain.

Ecuador XI: Galindez, Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan, Plata, Mendez, Caicedo, Ibarra, Valencia, Estrada.

Qatar XI: Saad, Pedro, Bassam, Khoukhi, Abdelkarim, Homam, Al-Haydos, Karim, Aziz, Afif, Almoez.

With inputs from agencies