Qatar: World Cup football from today has excited the hearts of crores of people all over the world. The opening ceremonies of the World Cup will begin at 7.30 pm Indian time at the Al Bait Stadium in Al Khor, about 60 km from the heartland of Doha. FIFA expects this year's tournament to be watched by more than 5 billion people over the next four weeks.
That compares to the more-than 3 billion people that saw some of the Tokyo Olympics last year, and is way ahead of the 3.5 billion that tuned in to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The three most recent World Cup finals have logged global viewerships north of 500m. That puts its reach way ahead of the 200m people that tuned in to this year’s Super Bowl. Those tuning in this year will witness the most expensive tournament in its 92 year history. Host Qatar is estimated to have spent $229 billion on its World Cup preparations.
Festivities have also begun in Katara, Souq Waqif and Mishreeb Downtown Doha. The opening match is between Qatar and Ecuador in Group A at 9.30 pm. An amazing visual feast is prepared at the opening ceremony. The 60,000-seat stadium is ready to receive fans.
Qatar, the host country, is in the midst of completing all preparations for the first football World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world after overcoming the crises. There is also a spacious park around the stadium where fans can relax and enjoy themselves. Food and beverage stalls are also ready. The tournament, which will be held from tomorrow to December 18, is expected to attract more than 12 lakh fans.
There will be entertainment in various parts of Qatar and around the 8 venues. Apart from the fan zones, cultural events will be held in 21 regions across the country.
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