FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022 kicks off in style….!

Doha

A sleek and visually-striking 28-minute FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony show merging tradition, times and the spirit of football (themed on gathering for all mankind, bridging differences through humanity, respect and inclusion) wowed a packed Bedouin-tent inspired Al Bayt Stadium and television audiences all round the world on Sunday evening.

Exactly at 5.42pm Doha Time, Brazilian football legend Cafu brought the FIFA World Cup trophy out.

Hollywood star Morgan Freeman made an appearance delivering a message of hope, unity and tolerance as hundreds of dancers and musicians took to the stage. “This is all so new that I came to know at all,” he spoke as backdrop images highlighted civilizations.

This was followed by Qatari YouTuber Ghanim Al Muftah and Qatari singer Dana Al Fardan accompanied by two Qatari women, voyagers and camels making a gripping traditional presentation.

Spectators were then treated to Qatar’s traditional Al Ardha sword dance. Performers with football jerseys and flags of the 32 qualified teams then took centre stage to the sound of drums.

Modern music regaled with the main act featuring a performance of ‘Dreamers’ – a hit single on the FIFA World Cup Official Soundtrack – by celebrated South Korean pop star Jung Kook of BTS band and Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi. “Look who we are, we are the dreamers… we make it happen,” they sang. Old football world cup-related hits ‘Aa le aa le on dos tres’ and ‘Waka waka, This time for Africa’ were also played.

A past video footage of the Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani playing football in the barren lands of the desert in Qatar were shown inviting big cheers. The Father Amir then autographed a t-shirt to show his appreciation.

Earlier, FIFA in a statement just hours ahead of the kick-off of the opening match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador, said: “The theme of the opening ceremony is a gathering for all mankind, bridging differences through humanity, respect and inclusion. Football allows us to come together as one tribe and the earth is the tent in which we all live.”

Mascots of all previous world cups came alive at the end of the short ceremony as La’eeb – Qatar World Cup mascot soared high signaling the arrival of FIFA World Cup 2022 to Qatar.

-Ranjith Perera-