Thousands of Qatar migrant workers enjoy World Cup at stadium fan zone

Those who helped lay the foundations for the tournament revel in big-match atmosphere

Taking selfies from the stands and sitting on the grassy pitch, thousands of migrant workers gathered in a Doha stadium on Sunday to watch the opening match of the first World Cup in the Middle East.

The special fan zone, set up at the industrial area on the city's outskirts, included a stadium with a giant TV screen and another big screen set up outside for an overflow crowd.

It sits adjacent to several worker camps where many of Qatar's hundreds of thousands of low-income labourers live.

"We are here to enjoy our sweat now," said Ronald Ssenyondo, a 25-year-old Ugandan who was rooting for Qatar on Sunday.

He had been in Qatar for two years, working long hours under the sun to finish stadiums where the tournament was being held.

"I am just overwhelmed with the things I'm seeing now," he said.

I am just overwhelmed with the things I'm seeing now

Ronald Ssenyondo

The wealthy gas-producing country is home to 2.9 million people, the vast majority of whom are foreigners, ranging from low-income construction workers to high-powered executives.

Rights groups have accused the authorities of failing to protect lower-income workers — including those who built the stadiums and hotels to host World Cup fans — from overwork, unpaid wages and poor living conditions.

The government says it has enacted labour reforms, including a minimum monthly wage of 1,000 Qatari rials, or about $275, more than many can earn back home.

Match tickets for the opener cost an average of $200 — but the industrial fan zone was free. Thousands piled in to cheer on Qatar on Sunday, groaning when the match ended with Ecuador's win 2-0.

Some told Reuters it was the closest they would get to a game all month.

Thousands of migrant workers enjoyed the opening match of the World Cup on a big screen at a stadium in Doha. All photos: Reuters

The watching crowds included construction workers who helped to build Doha's world-class stadia for the tournament.

Many workers were rooting for hosts Qatar, who were beaten 2-0 by Ecuador.

The free fan zone provides an opportunity to revel in the big-match atmosphere of the global event.

Fans enjoy the opening game of the Fifa World Cup.

"I'm supporting my sisters and brothers in Ethiopia by sending money back, so I'm coming here because tickets are too much," said Ali Jammal, 26, who has worked in Qatar for five years.

A nurse from Nepal, one of a handful of women watching, said she would be unable to watch any other matches because of her long shifts at a hospital.

Mohammad Ansar, a 28-year-old Indian who has been working in Qatar since earlier this year, said he was volunteering with Fifa at two of the coming matches, so he would get in to watch them live.

But on Sunday, he was grateful to be with fellow workers watching on a screen — even though Qatar's loss was a disappointment.

"With this stadium for free, they're considering poor people also," he said.

Others were watching from their home countries — Amirul Hussein was gathered with friends to watch the opener in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

He had worked on stadiums in Qatar for four years and was on a short break back home to visit his family.

"Now I will watch the Fifa World Cup matches with great happiness. Of course, if I could be there, I would feel even better," he said.

The opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor. PA

Fireworks explode during the show. Getty Images

Mascots of former World Cups united. AP Photo

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim, centre, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, Jordan's King Abdullah II King of Jordan, left, and Fifa president Gianni Infantino, second right, at the opening ceremony. AFP

South Korean singer Jung Kook, centre, performs. AFP

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha. AFP

Singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi performs. Getty Images

Performers welcomed the world during the opening ceremony. Reuters

A giant inflatable emblem during the opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor City. PA

Performers during the opening ceremony. PA

Morgan Freeman performs on stage. Getty Images

The performers opened the show. EPA

The Qatar World Cup opening ceremony. Reuters

Dancers performing together. PA

The opening ceremony before the Qatar versus Ecuador game. EPA

Former footballer Marcel Desailly holds the Fifa World Cup trophy ahead of the opening ceremony. AFP

A young Qatar supporter at the stadium. EPA

Ecuador fans in the stands before the opening ceremony of the Qatar World Cup. Reuters

A dancer performs at sunset before the Fifa World Cup kicks off with a Group A match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. PA

Fans record moments from the first match of Qatar 2022 inside the Al Bayt World Cup stadium. Reuters

Performers outside the Al Bayt Stadium entertain the crowds before the Fifa World Cup 2022 Group A opening match between Qatar and Ecuador kicks off. EPA

A Qatar fan wears his national colours outside the Al Bayt Stadium. Reuters

Fans arrive at the Al Bayt Stadium before the opening ceremony of the Qatar World Cup begins. Reuters

Qatar fans on rollerblades outside the Al Bayt Stadium. Reuters

Ecuador fans on their way to watch the opening match of the Qatar World Cup 2022. Reuters

A performer with a replica World Cup before the Fifa World Cup Group A match gets under way at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. PA