Qatar World Cup 2022 opening ceremony — in pictures

The Qatar mascot La'eeb performs during the opening ceremony ahead of the World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha on November 20, 2022.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani waves to the crowd as he arrives with FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the World Cup opening ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Doha. The Emir, speaking at the opening ceremony, said the event gathered people of all nationalities and beliefs. "From Qatar, from the Arab world, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022," he said. "How lovely it is that people can put aside what divides them to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together all at once," the Emir added.

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony ahead of the Qatar World Cup 2022 Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Doha on November 20, 2022.

A photo shows a fireworks display during the opening ceremony ahead of the Qatar World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) meets with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (C) as they are welcomed by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (R) on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, centre left, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, right, greet each other before the start of the World Cup group A match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Doha.

Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, centre left, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, greet each other before the start of the World Cup group A match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Doha.

South Korean singer Jung Kook (C) performs during the opening ceremony ahead of the Qatar World Cup 2022 Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha on November 20, 2022.

Fans of Qatar cheer ahead of the World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Doha.

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony ahead of the Qatar World Cup 2022 Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Doha on November 20, 2022.

Qatar supporters cheer ahead of the World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Doha on November 20, 2022.

Fans of Ecuador's cheer ahead of the World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha.

A FIFA World Cup trophy replica is pictured on the pitch as fireworks go off ahead of the Qatar World Cup Group A match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha on November 20, 2022.

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

View of the fireworks at the Al Bayt Stadium during the opening ceremony before the Qatar World Cup group A match between Qatar and Ecuador in Al Khor, Doha, on November 20, 2022.