The 22nd edition of the World Cup kicks off this Sunday, with an opening ceremony and a match with the host team.
We follow the highlights up to the kick-off of the ceremony in Qatar-Ecuador, which was artistically directed by the Italian Marco Balich.
3.20 pm: The teams are already known, we follow the match live here.
15.14: Finish the opening ceremony with fireworks. Players from both teams prepare to enter the warm-up as soon as the pitch becomes available.
JOY IS TOTAL??#FIFA World Cup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/C2YytSdVba
– FIFA World Cup ?? (@fifaworldcup_es) November 20, 2022
3.07 pm: Speech by Sheikh Tamin Al-Thani, who assured that Qatar “has made all efforts and investments for the good of humanity”, stressing that this month will serve to “celebrate diversity”. “People of different orientations, nationalities, states and continents are welcome in Qatar,” he said.
15:00: Jung Kook of the Korean group BTS performs the song «Dreamers».
14.51: Segment dedicated to the participating teams and to the previous World Cups, with music and mascots from those editions. «La Copa de la vida», by Ricky Martin (World Cup 1998 France) or «Waka-Waka» by Shakira (World Cup 2010, South Africa), sounded. The mascots Naranjito (Spain 82), Footix (France 98) or Fuleco (Brazil 2014) have appeared. Nostalgia time.
2:46pm: Morgan Freeman narrates the opening video, but also appears in the stadium. “Despite our differences, speaking different languages, we must value the emotions that unite us,” he says.
2.41 pm: Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, and Sheikh Tamin Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar are present. The ceremony can be followed live here:
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– Playing sports ????????? (@beINSPORTSNews) November 20, 2022
14:15: The teams of Qatar and Ecuador are already at the Al Bayt stadium, at Al Khor, with a capacity of 60,000 spectators. The opening ceremony will follow. The opening match of the World Cup starts at 4pm.
Al-Bayt stadium is all decked out and ready for our fans ??????#Qatar2022 #AlAnnabi #AllForAlAnnabipic.twitter.com/xoqEvGAHNX
— Qatar Football Federation (@QFA_EN) November 20, 2022
The atmosphere is building! ??#Qatar2022 | #FIFA World Cup pic.twitter.com/jpH28QL2Ze
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022
2.00pm: Teams on buses to stadium.
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