The opening day of the Qatar World Cup 2022 — in pictures

  • Ecuador celebrate beating Qatar in the first game of the World Cup. Reuters
    Ecuador celebrate beating Qatar in the first game of the World Cup. Reuters
  • Boualem Khoukhi of Qatar is dismayed after the 2-0 loss during against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium. Getty Images
    Boualem Khoukhi of Qatar is dismayed after the 2-0 loss during against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium. Getty Images
  • Khoukhi in action with Ecuador's Kevin Rodriguez. Reuters
    Khoukhi in action with Ecuador's Kevin Rodriguez. Reuters
  • Fireworks explode over the Doha skyline at Al Bidda Park. Getty Images
    Fireworks explode over the Doha skyline at Al Bidda Park. Getty Images
  • Teammates embrace Ecuador's Enner Valencia after he scored his side's second goal against Qatar. AP Photo
    Teammates embrace Ecuador's Enner Valencia after he scored his side's second goal against Qatar. AP Photo
  • Goalkeeper Saad Al Sheed of Qatar fouls Enner Valencia of Ecuador in the penalty box. EPA
    Goalkeeper Saad Al Sheed of Qatar fouls Enner Valencia of Ecuador in the penalty box. EPA
  • Fireworks explode around a replica of the World Cup trophy. AFP
    Fireworks explode around a replica of the World Cup trophy. AFP
  • The opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor. PA
    The opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor. PA
  • Fireworks explode during the show. Getty Images
    Fireworks explode during the show. Getty Images
  • A giant inflatable emblem during the opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor City. PA
    A giant inflatable emblem during the opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor City. PA
  • Morgan Freeman performs on stage. Getty Images
    Morgan Freeman performs on stage. Getty Images
  • The opening ceremony before the Qatar versus Ecuador game. EPA
    The opening ceremony before the Qatar versus Ecuador game. EPA
  • A young Qatar supporter at the stadium. EPA
    A young Qatar supporter at the stadium. EPA
  • Ecuador fans are in good spirits ahead of the country's World Cup opener against host nation Qatar at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor City. EPA
    Ecuador fans are in good spirits ahead of the country's World Cup opener against host nation Qatar at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor City. EPA
  • The sun has set and the stage is ready for the Middle East's first World Cup. PA
    The sun has set and the stage is ready for the Middle East's first World Cup. PA
  • Police mounted on camels outside the stadium. EPA
    Police mounted on camels outside the stadium. EPA
  • One performer is going for gold. PA
    One performer is going for gold. PA
  • Mexico fans are in full force, with many heading to the waterfront near the traditional market Souq Waqif in Doha. EPA
    Mexico fans are in full force, with many heading to the waterfront near the traditional market Souq Waqif in Doha. EPA
  • Fans from around the world have descended on Doha for the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022. Getty Images
    Fans from around the world have descended on Doha for the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022. Getty Images
  • Wales captain and talisman striker Gareth Bale trains on the opening day of the tournament. Reuters
    Wales captain and talisman striker Gareth Bale trains on the opening day of the tournament. Reuters
  • Camels are walked outside of the Qatar State Grand Mosque, Doha. Getty Images
    Camels are walked outside of the Qatar State Grand Mosque, Doha. Getty Images
  • Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is here. Reuters
    Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is here. Reuters
  • The sun rises over the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Umm Al Afaei, west of Doha. AFP
    The sun rises over the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Umm Al Afaei, west of Doha. AFP
  • Brazil supporters are in town, hoping the competition's most successful team can add one more title to their collection. AFP
    Brazil supporters are in town, hoping the competition's most successful team can add one more title to their collection. AFP
  • Supporters of Qatar cheer during the FIFA World Cup 2022 group A Opening Match between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. EPA
    Supporters of Qatar cheer during the FIFA World Cup 2022 group A Opening Match between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. EPA
  • General view during the opening ceremony. Reuters
    General view during the opening ceremony. Reuters
  • General view of a giant replica World Cup trophy inside the stadium before the match. Reuters
    General view of a giant replica World Cup trophy inside the stadium before the match. Reuters
  • A fan inside the stadium before the match. Reuters
    A fan inside the stadium before the match. Reuters