HH The Amir Inaugurates FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani patronized the opening of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Al Bayt Stadium this evening.

HH The Amir announced the opening of the tournament saying:

From Qatar, from an Arab country, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022.

We have worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful tournaments. We have exerted all efforts and invested for the good of all humanity.

Finally, we have reached the opening day, the day that you have been eagerly waiting for. 

Starting from this evening, and for a period of twenty-eight days, we will follow, and with us the whole world, God willing, the great football festival, in this spacious ambience for human and civilized communication.

People of different races, nationalities, faiths and orientations will gather here in Qatar, and around screens on all continents to share the same exciting moments.

How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time.

I wish all the participating teams a magnificent football performance, high sportsmanship, and a time full of joy, excitement and delight for you all.  And let there be days that are inspiring with goodness and hope.

Welcome and good luck to all.

The opening ceremony was attended by HH The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, HH the Personal Representative of HH The Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, and a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs and Ministers.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Their Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies leaders of sisterly and friendly countries, heads of delegations and Olympic committees and federations, and Their Excellencies heads of the diplomatic missions accredited to the State, senior sports officials, and a large crowd of the fans.

The ceremony began with cultural performances presenting important aspects of the history of the State of Qatar and the Arab countries in celebrating and honoring the guests, in a symbolic sign of Qatar welcoming all fans from around the world. The ceremony also included videos about the marine and land culture that distinguished the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, and their communication with the world through the sea.

Artistic performances highlighting the values of respect, acquaintance and learning from differences between peoples were also presented during the ceremony, in an invitation to converge cultures and spread love and goodness among people during the tournament; in addition to performances welcoming Qatar’s guests, fans and qualified teams, and other performances about important moments in the history of football and people’s passion for it.

HH The Amir witnessed the championship opening match between Qatar national football team and Ecuador, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Ecuador.