The first FIFA World Cup to take place in the Arab world kicks off in Qatar with the host nation taking on Ecuador in the tournament’s opening match at Al-Bayt Stadium.
Football fans and supporters from all over the world have converged at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived at the stadium flanked by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to a roaring crowd, and took their seats alongside other Arab leaders.
A show then unfolded on the pitch, featuring three camels, American actor Morgan Freeman and a performance of a new tournament song called Dreamers featuring singer Jungkook of K-pop boy band BTS, alongside Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Abdullah II of Jordan and the presidents of Egypt, Turkey and Algeria, as well as the UN Secretary-General, are among leaders at the in a tent-shaped stadium ahead of the first match between the hosts and Ecuador.
