FIFA World Cup gets underway in Qatar

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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Football fans and supporters converge at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.
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Updated 20 November 2022
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FIFA World Cup gets underway in Qatar

  • First FIFA World Cup to take place in the Arab world kicks off in Qatar
  • Hosts are playing Ecuador in the opening game

DOHA: The first FIFA World Cup to take place in the Arab world kicks off in Qatar with the host nation taking on Ecuador in the tournament’s opening match at Al-Bayt Stadium.

Football fans and supporters from all over the world have converged at the FIFA fan zone in Doha to get into the tournament spirit.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived at the stadium flanked by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to a roaring crowd, and took their seats alongside other Arab leaders.

A show then unfolded on the pitch, featuring three camels, American actor Morgan Freeman and a performance of a new tournament song called Dreamers featuring singer Jungkook of K-pop boy band BTS, alongside Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Abdullah II of Jordan and the presidents of Egypt, Turkey and Algeria, as well as the UN Secretary-General, are among leaders at the in a tent-shaped stadium ahead of the first match between the hosts and Ecuador.

All photos by Abdulrahman Fahad Bin Shulhub.

Click here for our comprehensive coverage of the FIFA World Cup in Doha.


Real Madrid lose second straight and miss chance to close gap on Liga leader Barcelona

Updated 03 March 2026
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Real Madrid lose second straight and miss chance to close gap on Liga leader Barcelona

  • Getafe held on to secure a historic win, its first at the Santiago Bernabeu since 2008, and a vital three points in its bid to stay in La Liga

MADRID: Real Madrid lost a second straight La Liga match when a stunning volley from Martín Satriano gave Getafe a shock 1-0 win at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Monday.
The result prevented the capital club from cutting the four-point gap to leader Barcelona.
Getafe had lost all eight of its previous league encounters with Real Madrid and early saves from goalkeeper David Soria kept it from falling behind.
Soria turned over a shot from Arda Güler midway through the first half, not long after frustrating Vinicius Junior when he was through on goal.
Madrid had more of the ball but lacked punch up front and it paid a price for its profligacy six minutes before halftime when Getafe took the lead.
A hopeful cross from the right was headed clear but it fell to the feet of Satriano, who volleyed into the roof of the net from 20 meters out.
It was the second goal in three games for the Uruguayan, who joined on loan from Lyon during the last transfer window.
Madrid continued to dominate possession in the second half and Antonio Rüdiger and substitute Rodrygo were among those who came close to grabbing an equalizer.
But it could not find a way past Getafe’s stuffy rearguard and an in-form Soria.
Madrid’s task became even harder when Franco Mastantuono was sent off for dissent in stoppage time and although the numbers were evened up in the last minute when Getafe’s Adrian Liso was also shown a red card it came too late to make any impact.
Getafe held on to secure a historic win, its first at the Santiago Bernabeu since 2008, and a vital three points in its bid to stay in La Liga.
“Coming here is always very difficult,” Getafe defender Kiko Femenía told broadcaster DAZN. “We have to congratulate the team, we did a superb job at the back and we scored when had the chance. We might even have scored more on the counterattack.”
They jumped three league places into 11th and were eight points above the relegation zone.