The first World Cup in the Middle East finally began Sunday (20/11/20220) night, with a flashy opening ceremony, complete with fireworks. South Korean pop star Jungkook one of the popular boy band BTS members stole the show with his performance singing the 2022 World Cup Anthem Dreamers, amidst a dance worthy of the idol, together with the Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.
The opening began with the screening of the official 2022 World Cup video, at Al Bayt Stadium. Then the audience was presented with a variety of theatrical entertainment meant to introduce Qatar to the world through its culture, with a theme of bridging distances.
One of the surprising moments was the appearance of Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman who sent a message of inclusion to all soccer fans. Freeman starred in a message of inclusion alongside Qatari activist for the disabled Ghanim Al-Muftah who recited the holy Quran.
As World Cup songs from the past began to play, all mascots of past World Cups were seen during the opening ceremony, while a giant version of the official mascot La'eeb floated around the stadium.
