Host nation Qatar will get the World Cup underway on Sunday against Ecuador, but beforehand they will look to put on a show at the opening ceremony... so, when exactly is the ceremony? How can you watch it? And who will be performing?
- The World Cup gets underway on Sunday as host nation Qatar take on Ecuador
- Qatar will look to put on a show at the opening ceremony shortly beforehand
- The ceremony was initially set to take place before Qatar's first game on Monday
- But Qatar vs Ecuador was made the opening fixture after a plea by the hosts
- Follow all the build-up to the World Cup in Qatar with Sportsmail's live blog
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
The 2022 World Cup gets underway this weekend as host nation Qatar square off against Ecuador in the curtain-raiser.
In what is the first-ever winter edition of the tournament, there has been mass scrutiny ever since Qatar were awarded the 2022 World Cup back in 2010, particularly due to allegations of corruption, human rights concerns and the treatment of both women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Qatar have stressed the World Cup will be open and accepting of all, though there have already been a number of incidents suggesting otherwise, with a journalist from Danish broadcaster TV2 being threatened by Qatari officials while live on air.
![The first-ever winter edition of the World Cup gets underway on Sunday as hosts Qatar play Ecuador](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/17/11/64645069-11438385-image-a-1_1668683445825.jpg)
The first-ever winter edition of the World Cup gets underway on Sunday as hosts Qatar play Ecuador
Qatar has also been accused of paying hundreds of 'fake fans' to sing and dance in a series of choreographed videos, while an American journalist claimed he was told by security to delete a photo he'd taken of a slogan on a wall in the World Cup media centre, as it was 'not allowed'.
The hosts will therefore be desperate to put on a show in Sunday's opening ceremony, with millions expected to watch on - despite the first game being between two of the lower ranked teams in the competition.
And with the opening ceremony approaching fast, Sportsmail provides all the details below.
When is the opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 20, ahead of the opening Group A clash between host nation Qatar and Ecuador.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2pm UK time, which is two hours before the 4pm kick-off for Qatar vs Ecuador.
It will be held at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium - where the first match will of course take place - which is located 40km north of Doha.
![One of the larger stadiums, the Al Bayt will stage the opening ceremony and matches right through to the semi-finals of the competition](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/17/11/56093279-11438385-One_of_the_larger_stadiums_the_Al_Bayt_will_stage_matches_right_-a-5_1668684472101.jpg)
One of the larger stadiums, the Al Bayt will stage the opening ceremony and matches right through to the semi-finals of the competition
![Because temperatures in Qatar can top 30C even in November, it has a retractable roof to keep out the heat](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/17/11/56093275-11438385-Because_temperatures_in_Qatar_can_top_30C_even_in_November_it_wi-a-6_1668684484011.jpg)
Because temperatures in Qatar can top 30C even in November, it has a retractable roof to keep out the heat
The ceremony was initially scheduled to take place before Qatar's first game on November 21, with Senegal vs Holland the original opening match of the tournament.
That would have meant two games - being Senegal vs Holland and England vs Iran - would have taken place before the opening ceremony.
The decision to change the opening fixture, which was made only in August, came after pleas from the hosts, allowing Felix Sanchez's men to take part in the curtain-raiser.
How to watch the Opening Ceremony?
All 64 matches will be available to watch on free-to-air television in the UK, with the matches split between ITV and BBC. Welsh channel S4C will also be broadcasting the Wales games live.
The clash between Qatar and Ecuador will be shown on BBC, with the opening ceremony therefore following suit.
Viewers can stream the action on both BBC iPlayer and via the BBC Sport website.
Sportsmail will also be covering both the ceremony and Qatar vs Ecuador live, so you can keep up-to-date with us.
Who will be performing?
FIFA have not yet formally announced who is performing at the World Cup opening ceremony, but a number of reports pointing to specific artists have emerged.
One performer we are sure of is Jung Kook of South Korea, who is one of seven members of the boy band BTS. His performance was confirmed on the band's official Twitter account.
![UK pop sensation Robbie Williams headlined the 2018 World Cup opening ceremony in Russia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/17/11/64645695-11438385-image-a-3_1668684415946.jpg)
UK pop sensation Robbie Williams headlined the 2018 World Cup opening ceremony in Russia
The Telegraph also report that Nora Fatehi, best known for her work in the Indian film industry, is expected to sign Light The Sky, the 2022 World Cup's official song.
The Black Eyed Peas are also rumoured to be involved, while Robbie Williams - who played a role four years ago in Russia - has also been linked.
Dua Lipa has distanced herself from reports she would be involved, however, while Rod Steward turned it down. Shakira had been linked but reportedly won't now be involved.
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