On Sunday morning, residents in Qatar shared a poster with a prayer to bring prosperity and protection to Qatar. Today marks a historic day in world football as the 22 edition of the FIFA World Cup kick-off in Qatar, the smallest country to host the biggest sporting event on earth.
High-profile dignitaries such as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be among the political leaders attending the opening ceremony.
The UN secretary general António Guterres and Algeria’s president will be among foreign dignitaries.
The first World Cup match held in the Middle East will begin with host-country Qatar taking on Ecuador at a Bedouin-tent-inspired Al Bayt Stadium, in Al Khor, North of Doha.
The ceremony of the tournament is expected to begin with verses from Quran by Qatar’s youth icon Ghanim Al Muftah. It will be followed by a 30-minute show that will be full of surprises.
The main attraction will be a performance of ‘Dreamers’ – another hit single on the FIFA World Cup Official Soundtrack – by celebrated South Korean pop star Jung Kook of BTS and Qatari singer Fahad al-Kubaisi.
Elaborate arrangements are made to make sure no unpleasant events happen during the tournament. International fans are urged to use public transport, specifically arranged for the tournament. Local fans are asked to drive to the stadium where organisers have arranged large parking grounds.
