FIFA World Cup 2022: Opening Ceremony Brings The Crowd To Its Feet

The FIFA World Cup 2022 Opening Ceremony did not disappoint, as expected, with Morgan Freeman and Jungkook taking the spotlight. The 60,000 present at the Al Bayt Stadium for the first match between hosts Qatar and opponents Ecuador were witness to a spectacular Opening Ceremony. Celebrities such as Shakira, Rod Stewart and Dua Lipa rejecting the offer to perform had made the rounds in the weeks leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2022. American Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman, though, made his presence felt as he narrated about unity and introduced Ghanem Al-Muftah, who recited the Holy Quran. Jungkook of BTS performed "Dreamers", which is the official song of the 2022 World Cup, alongside Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi. Songs from the previous editions of the FIFA World Cup were played, including K'naan's Wavin' Flag and Shakira's Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), with dancers performing to the tunes. The match between Qatar and Ecuador kicks off at 9:30 PM IST.

Updated: 21 Nov 2022 7:44 am

FIFA World Cup 2022: Opening Ceremony | Photo: AP/Thanassis Stavrakis

View of the fireworks at the Al Bayt Stadium during the opening ceremony before the World Cup, group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Opening Ceremony | Photo: AP/Ariel Schalit

Artists perform during the opening ceremony for the World Cup, prior to the group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Opening Ceremony | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Artists perform during the opening ceremony for the World Cup prior to the match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Opening Ceremony | Photo: AP/Francisco Seco

People at the fan zone watch in a giant screen the opening ceremony of the World Cup, in Doha, Qatar.

Fans watch the opening ceremony for the World Cup, prior to the World Cup, group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Opening Ceremony | Photo: AP/Hassan Ammar

Actors perform during the opening ceremony before the World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Opening Ceremony | Photo: AP/Natacha Pisarenko

Artists perform at the opening ceremony prior he World Cup, group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

Artists perform next to FIFA World Cup Ambassador Ghanim Al Muftah, during the opening ceremony of World Cup prior to the Group A match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

The mascot of the Qatar World Cup is displayed during the opening ceremony, prior to the group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

Mascots of former World Cups perform at the opening ceremony prior he World Cup, group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

Artists perform at the opening ceremony prior he World Cup, group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

Smoke from fireworks is seen over the stadium at the opening ceremony prior he World Cup, group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

Actors perform during the opening ceremony before the World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

South Korean singer Jung Kook, left, and Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi perform during the opening ceremony, prior to the group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

The mascot of the Qatar World Cup is displayed during the opening ceremony, prior to the group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

Artists perform at the opening ceremony prior he World Cup, group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

US actor Morgan Freeman, left, sits on the stage next to FIFA World Cup Ambassador Ghanim Al Muftah, at the opening ceremony prior he World Cup, group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.