World Cup 2022: What happens on opening day – a guide to Day 1 

The World Cup 2022 is just around the corner, and as the teams start flying into Qatar, we’re looking ahead at how day 1 may play out. 

Here’s what you need to know about the opening day of football’s biggest tournament. 

When does the World Cup kick off? 

The tournament officially starts on Sunday, November 20 and ends on December 18 when the final will take place at Lusail Stadium.

Who is playing the first match? 

The first match will be played by the hosts Qatar who will take on Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium at 7pm – that’s 4pm UK time. 

When is the World Cup opening ceremony and what will happen? 

The opening ceremony will take place at 5pm (2pm UK time) before the Qatar-Ecuador game on November 20. 

The official tournament anthem and soundtrack will feature in the ceremony as will La’eeb, the tournament mascot, who will have his own role to play.

BTS singer and K-Pop star Jung Kook will be performing at the opening ceremony.

There will be fireworks in the evening when darkness covers the sky. 

How many stadiums will be used during the World Cup? 

There will be eight stadiums across Qatar used in the world cup – some made just for the tournament. 

The opening game will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium – which seats 60,000. 

Read about the stadiums being used, and what will happen to them after the World Cup ends