The Opening Day of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar - in pictures

The National picks the best shots from the opening day of the world's premier football contest

Ecuador celebrate beating Qatar in the first game of the World Cup. Reuters

Boualem Khoukhi of Qatar is dismayed after the 2-0 loss during against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium. Getty Images

Khoukhi in action with Ecuador's Kevin Rodriguez. Reuters

Fireworks explode over the Doha skyline at Al Bidda Park. Getty Images

Teammates embrace Ecuador's Enner Valencia after he scored his side's second goal against Qatar. AP Photo

Goalkeeper Saad Al Sheed of Qatar fouls Enner Valencia of Ecuador in the penalty box. EPA

Fireworks explode around a replica of the World Cup trophy. AFP

The opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor. PA

Fireworks explode during the show. Getty Images

A giant inflatable emblem during the opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor City. PA

Morgan Freeman performs on stage. Getty Images

The opening ceremony before the Qatar versus Ecuador game. EPA

A young Qatar supporter at the stadium. EPA

Ecuador fans are in good spirits ahead of the country's World Cup opener against host nation Qatar at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor City. EPA

The sun has set and the stage is ready for the Middle East's first World Cup. PA

Police mounted on camels outside the stadium. EPA

One performer is going for gold. PA

Mexico fans are in full force, with many heading to the waterfront near the traditional market Souq Waqif in Doha. EPA

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 20: Supporters take photographs in-front of Qatar World Cup signage ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at on November 20, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling / Getty Images)

Wales captain and talisman striker Gareth Bale trains on the opening day of the tournament. Reuters

Camels are walked outside of the Qatar State Grand Mosque, Doha. Getty Images

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is here. Reuters

The sun rises over the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Umm Al Afaei, west of Doha. AFP

Brazil supporters are in town, hoping the competition's most successful team can add one more title to their collection. AFP

Supporters of Qatar cheer during the FIFA World Cup 2022 group A Opening Match between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. EPA

General view during the opening ceremony. Reuters

General view of a giant replica World Cup trophy inside the stadium before the match. Reuters

A fan inside the stadium before the match. Reuters

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