The 2022 FIFA World Cup has opened in a spectacular style in host country, Qatar.
The ceremony, held at the Al Bayt Stadium featured performances from American actor Morgan Freeman, who made an appearance on stage alongside Qatari YouTube star Ghanim al-Muftah, who read from the Quran.
There was also a musical performance from Jungkook of K-pop megastars BTS who debuted his new single solo single “Dreamers” alongside Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.
Jung Kook delivers at the #Qatar2022 opening ceremony! 🎶#Dreamers2022 | @bts_bighit
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022Hundreds of dancers performed during the show, and a giant version of official mascot La’eeb floated around the stadium.
“La’eeb,” which means “super-skilled player” in Arabic, first appeared in comic books in the late 1940s.
Before fireworks lit up the sky, France’s 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly delivered the trophy in front of roaring fans.La'eeb 🫶#Qatar2022 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/BmqeDmZAET
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022
The hosts played their first-ever World Cup game in the opening match of the tournament against Ecuador.🏆#Qatar2022 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/M12SGs8tXp
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022
Composed 😎🇪🇨#Qatar2022 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/d1pBPGmePJ
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022