AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — In an image meant to represent inclusion in a country facing
international criticism for its human rights record, Oscar winner Morgan Freeman extended
one yellow-gloved hand to a FIFA World Cup ambassador suffering from a rare spinal
disorder.
It wasn’t the highlight of Sunday’s seven-act World Cup opening ceremony, which preceded
the match between host Qatar and Ecuador. The leaders of the Middle East and Africa
received the loudest applause from their luxury suites in the Bedouin-tent-inspired Al Bayt
Stadium.
In fact, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani drew thunderous applause during a brief speech
delivered from the suite in Arabic. He sat between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his
father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who won the World Cup for the tiny.
“How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their
diversity while also celebrating what brings them together,” Sheikh Tamim said, his words
translated into English on a video screen inside the stadium.
“I wish all of the participating teams a magnificent football performance, high
sportsmanship, and a time filled with joy, excitement, and delight for you all,” he added.
“And let there be days filled with goodness and hope.”
In his only English words, he said, “I welcome you and good luck to all.”
Sheikh Hamad, regarded as Qatar’s modernizer during his 18-year reign, delighted the
crowd even more by autographing an official World Cup shirt handed to him by his son. He
then displayed the shirt to the audience.
The opening ceremony’s theme of “bridging distances” was intended to introduce Qatar to
the world through its culture. The ceremony, according to creative director Ahmad Al Baker,
should represent “a gathering for all mankind, an invitation to come together as one,
bridging all differences with humanity, respect and inclusion.”
It hit home when Sheikh Tamim was joined in the stadium suite by Saudi Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, both of whom had
long boycotted Qatar. The leaders of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, the two other
countries involved in the boycott, were not present.
There were no major Western leaders in attendance because Qatar is under fire for its
treatment of migrant workers who helped prepare the country for the World Cup, as well as
the LGBTQ community. In Qatar, homosexual and lesbian sex is illegal.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune,
Senegalese President Macky Sall, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Rwandan
President Paul Kagame were among those who attended the opening match.
Kuwait’s crown prince arrived, as did the World Health Organization’s director-general and
Djibouti’s president. Jordan’s King Abdullah II was also present.
They listened to BTS’ Jung Kook, while Qatari singer and producer Fahad Al Kubaisi debuted
the World Cup-specific single “Dreamers.”
The tournament was then officially opened by Infantino, who spoke in Arabic, Spanish, and
English.
Infantino said in English, “Dear friends, welcome, welcome to the FIFA World Cup Qatar
2022.” “Welcome to the celebration of football because football brings the world together.”
And now, let us welcome the teams and begin the show.”
As Tiesto’s “The Business” blared from the speakers, Qatar and Ecuador took the field, and
the World Cup officially began.