The first FIFA World Cup to be held in the Arab world has started with the opening ceremony in Qatar, where football fans from all over the world are present. In the opening match of the tournament, the host country Qatar and Ecuador competed at the Albeit Stadium. In this match, Ecuador beat Qatar 0-2.
According to Arab News, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, arrived at the stadium along with the FIFA president and took their seats along with other Arab leaders.
'K Pop' boy band singer Jang Kook performed with Qatari singer Fahad Al Qubaisi.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Jordan's King Abdullah II and the presidents of Egypt, Turkey and Algeria along with the UN Secretary General are among the leaders present at the stadium before the first match.
Football fans from all over the world gather at the FIFA Fan Zone in Doha to attend the tournament.
This is the first time that a Middle Eastern country is hosting this mega event.
The scheduled matches will be held in eight stadiums in Qatar. The matches are starting from today and will continue till December 18.
There are 32 teams participating in the FIFA World Cup which are divided into eight groups (A to H) out of which only two teams will go to the knockout stage.
The FIFA World Cup in Qatar is the first tournament to be held in a conservative Islamic country where alcohol is banned and open drinking is prohibited.
Today, the host country Qatar is facing Ecuador who are part of Group A. This match is being played at the Al Bait Stadium in Al Khor.
Saudi Arabia-based Iqama Holds was directed to obtain exit visas and valid 'Hiya' cards to participate in the FIFA World Cup.
Qatari authorities denied reports that soccer fans had been invited for money. There were reports that Qatar had invited fans for the tournament with money.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (Al-Jinta Al-Alia llum-Mashar'a-Wal-Ars) was established for the preparations and management of the World Cup.
