World Cup Qatar 2022 holds grand opening ceremony

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) – Sunday saw the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor in the Gulf state of Qatar.

Qatar 2022 official mascot La’eeb, whose name is an Arabic word meaning super-skilled player, along with the flags of all 32 participating nations were flying in the field.

African American movie star Morgan Freeman was among the guests.

Korean K-pop star Jungkook also performed a mini-concert.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed fans from all over the world.

“How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity,” he said.

"Let this tournament be full of inspiring days of goodness and hope," he said, "and welcome everyone to the world in Doha."

The opening game of the championship, Qatar vs. Ecuador in Group A, will kick off at 1600GMT.