![Fireworks erupt over Al Bayt stadium as the opening ceremony for the World Cup 2022 draws to a close [Katya Bohdan/Al Jazeera]](https://archive.mmnews.tv/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/opening-ceremony.jpg)
DOHA: The Qatar World Cup has opened in spectacular fashion, with superstars including actor Morgan Freeman performing in a stunning Opening Ceremony.
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.
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and the presidents of Egypt, Turkey and Algeria, as well as the United Nations Secretary-General, are among leaders at the in a tent-shaped stadium ahead of the first match between the hosts and Ecuador.
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The Gulf state’s Deputy Prime Minister Khalid Al-Attiyah, in remarks on state media, said Qatar was reaping benefits of years of “hard work and sound planning”.
On Saturday, FIFA’s Infantino rounded on European critics of Qatar, saying engagement was the only way to improve rights, while Doha has also pointed to labor reforms.
The hosts play their first-ever World Cup game in the opening match of the tournament against Ecuador. But the party began early at the Al Bayt Stadium, with Jungkook of K-pop megastars BTS the headline musical performance, debuting his new single solo single “Dreamers” alongside Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.
American actor Freeman was a shock appearance on stage alongside Qatari YouTube star Ghanim al-Muftah, who read from the Quran.
Freeman had been an ambassador for the USA’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup before Qatar won hosting rights, making his appearance even more of a surprise.
Freeman shared a message of unity, declaring: “What unites us here in this moment is so much greater than what divides us. How can we make it last longer than just today?”
Morgan Freeman performing at the opening ceremony of the 22nd edition of the #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 . pic.twitter.com/1M8RlNoxai
— World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) November 20, 2022
The show featured hundreds of dancers, while a giant version of official mascot La’eeb floated around the stadium. La’eeb means ‘super-skilled player’ in Arabic, and dates back to comics from the late 1940s.
1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly of France delivered the trophy in front of roaring fans, before fireworks lit up the sky.
