The wait for the start of the winter World Cup in Qatar is finally over with the opening ceremony set to kick off the prestigious tournament.
Build-up to the World Cup has been dominated by Qatar's suitability as hosts. Human rights groups are concerned by the host country's attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community and the deaths of migrant workers during the construction of the stadiums.
On Saturday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino took a swipe at Europe for condemning Qatar, calling those people with concerns about the tournament's location 'hypocrites'. Despite this, the World Cup will begin on Sunday with the home country Qatar facing Ecuador in the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
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Before the match kicks off at 4pm GMT, FIFA's traditional opening ceremony will take place and here is everything you need to know.
When is the World Cup opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony for the 2022 World Cup will take place on Sunday, November 20 ahead of the opening fixture between Qatar and Ecuador. Originally it was meant to be commencing on Monday but the decision was made to move it forward.
It is expected that the ceremony itself will begin at 2pm GMT.
How can I watch the World Cup opening ceremony?
Despite the opening ceremony starting at 2pm, BBC One's coverage from Al Khor will begin at 3pm ahead of a 4pm kick-off. It is widely expected that the BBC will show moments from the ceremony during their coverage from Qatar.
Who is performing at the World Cup opening ceremony?
Dua Lipa, who has previously performed at the opening ceremony for the Champions League final, was rumoured to be performing in Al Khor. However, she took to social media earlier this month to confirm that she would not be attending.
Several acts are still expected to perform at the opening ceremony. On November 12, it was confirmed that K-Pop band BTS' singer Jungkook would be performing.
Meanwhile, American rapper Lil Baby tweeted in September that he would be at the event as well after he recorded the World Cup anthem 'The World is Yours to Take'. Canadian actress Nora Fatehi is expected to sing the official theme song of the tournament, 'Light The Sky'.
Other details regarding the opening ceremony have not been announced by FIFA or the Qatari FA.
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