In Photos: BTS' Jung Kook, Morgan Freeman Star in 2022 FIFA WC Opening Ceremony
In pictures: Highlights of the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.
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One of the most popular faces in Hollywood Morgan Freeman and South Korean band BTS' Jung Kook stole the limelight during a glittering opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.
One of the non-musical performers was American actor Morgan Freeman. The 85-year-old narrated the event live and delivered a speech about the "emotions that connect us all now". It spanned around 20 minutes and kept the audience all around the world glued to their screens.
Legendary American actor said football unites nations. "Football spans the world, unites nations in their love of the beautiful game. What brings together nations, brings together communities," said Freeman.
However, besides Freedman, the real star of the nearly hour-long ceremony had to be BTS' Jung Kook laying down his new tune "Dreamers" for the 60,000-capacity stadium. Surrounded by dancers, the international superstar set the standard for World Cup opening ceremonies to come.
Al Khor: View of the fireworks at the Al Bayt Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
(Photo: PTI)
Al Khor: Actors perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
(Photo: PTI)
Al Khor: Actors perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
(Photo: PTI)
Al Khor: A panoramic view of the Al Bayt Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
(Photo: PTI)
The stadium was also packed as the glitz and glamour of the ceremony caught all the limelight. Among the famous faces in the crowd was former England captain David Beckham, who has been working as an ambassador for Qatar 2022.
One of the most colourful elements of the show was an appearance by all former World Cup mascots, including South Africa's Zakumi and Footix from France 1998.
After the performances, His Highness The Amit, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani gave a speech.
"Welcome and good luck to all," he said in English. His speech was followed by loud cheers by the crowd.
Immediately after the opening ceremony started the first match of the tournament featuring hosts Qatar and Ecuador. The two teams are in Group A alongside Netherlands and Senegal.
The hosts thought started their campaign with a defeat, with Ecuador wining the match 2-0. Skipper Enner Valencia scored both goals, in the first half.
Al Khor: Players of Ecuador celebrate after Ecuador's Enner Valencia scored their side's opening goal against Qatar during a World Cup group A soccer match.
(Photo: PTI)
Al Khor: Ecuador's Enner Valencia celebrates scoring his side's second goal against Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup opener against Qatar.
(Photo: PTI)
Al Khor: Ecuador players celebrate scoring their side's second goal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup match against Qatar.
(Photo: PTI)
Al Khor: Ecuador's Enner Valencia scores a goal that was later disallowed during the FIFA World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador.
(Photo: PTI)
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