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2022 Qatar World Cup Opening Ceremony- In Pictures

World Cup

Morgan Freeman features, as fireworks and drone display marks start of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup kicked off at the Al Bayt stadium. 60,000 fans were in attendance as the event unfolded, 90minutes before the opening fixture between the hosts and Ecuador.

Here’s how it unfolded

Illuminated drones and fireworks display lit up Doha ahead of the World’s most popular sport’s biggest tournament.

Meanwhile, the main event was at Al Bayt Stadium, 35km north of the Doha city Centre, where renowned narrator and actor Morgan Freeman gave a heart-warming speech on inclusion alongside disabled Qatari businessman, Ghanim Al Muftah.

Morgan Freeman narrated the opening ceremony at the 2022 Qatar World Cup(Photo: Natacha Pisarenko/AP)
Morgan Freeman narrated the opening ceremony at the 2022 Qatar World Cup(Photo: Natacha Pisarenko/AP)

The opening segment was titled ‘The Calling’, and Morgan Freeman said, “We all come together here in one big tribe. 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,

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.”

The 2022 Qatar World Cup mascot, La’eeb (Arabic for super-skilled player), was let loose above the crowd as mascots from previous world cups were honored.

La'eeb- 2022 Qatar World Cup mascot (Photo: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian)
La’eeb- 2022 Qatar World Cup mascot (Photo: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian)

South Africa’s Zakumi and Footix from France 1998 are among the most recognizable mascots from previous World cups. This made the event even more colorful.

Previous World Cup mascots at the 2022 Qatar World Cup (Photo: Courtesy)
Previous World Cup mascots at the 2022 Qatar World Cup (Photo: Courtesy)

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K-pop star and BTS’ Jung Kook performed to the delight of his fans. Dressed in black and surrounded by a group of dancers, he gave a live performance of ‘Dreamers’, an uplifting anthem, which features Qatari singer and producer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.

Jung Kook performs at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Qatar World Cup (Photo: Natacha Pisarenko/AP)
Jung Kook performs at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Qatar World Cup (Photo: Natacha Pisarenko/AP)

The song is part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 soundtrack that includes contributions from artists like Nicki Minaj, Maluma, Davido, Myriam Fares, and others. A music video for “Dreamers” will drop on Wednesday (Nov. 23).

Ambassador for Qatar 2022 and former England captain, David Beckham, was also at Al Bayt.

Fireworks display was fantastic at the 2022 Qatar World Cup opening ceremony.

View from 2022 Qatar World Cup opening ceremony at Al Bayt stadium (Photo: Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)
View from 2022 Qatar World Cup opening ceremony at Al Bayt stadium (Photo: Thanassis Stavrakis/AP

Read Also: Enner Valencia Scores Brace for Ecuador in World Cup Opener

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