2022 World Cup: Opening ceremony gets Qatar underway

The Qatar 2022 World Cup kicked off on Sunday with a dazzling opening ceremony featuring South Korean musical phenomenon Jungkook.

Twelve years after FIFA made the contentious decision to award the tiny Gulf nation its showcase event, the unthinkable became a reality in front of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

What happened?

The ceremony, which preceded the hosts’ opening game against Ecuador, featured the usual mix of local and worldwide performers presenting the best of Qatar, all narrated by the soothing voice of American actor Morgan Freeman.

It began with a montage of Qatar via land and sea, followed by a performance of ‘To Know One Another’ by Freeman and local personality Ghanim Al Muftah with several camels.

The tournament mascot La’eeb was unveiled alongside his predecessors from prior tournaments, followed by a dance including local volunteers and professional artists.

Jungkook of South Korean boy band BTS sang the official single of Qatar 2022, Dreamers, alongside local artist Fahad Al Kubaisi, and the celebration concluded with an address from Sheikh Tamim.