World Cup 2022 opening ceremony: Start time, who is performing and how to watch for FREE live on TV today

The World Cup begins today with the official opening ceremony in Qatar.

Fans around the world are eager to see how the tiny Arab nation presents the start of a showpiece event that has been dogged by numerous controversies, both on and off the pitch.

FIFA will hope football can start to do the talking, but first the official proceedings must be done and dusted.

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Little is known about what exactly may unfold during the opening ceremony, although we do know when and where it will take place.

Here are all the details...

When is the World Cup opening ceremony?

The World Cup opening ceremony will be held at around 2.30pm GMT today, Sunday November 20, 2022.

It will take place at Al Bayt Stadium, directly before the first game between Qatar and Ecuador at 4pm that afternoon.

How can I watch the World Cup opening ceremony?

TV channel: In the UK, BBC One will broadcast the ceremony live free-to-air with coverage starting at 3pm.

Live stream: The proceedings will also be shown on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

Live blog: You can follow the ceremony via Standard Sport’s live blog.

Who is performing at the World Cup opening ceremony?

A number of artists have been touted to turn up in Qatar, although Dua Lipa has rubbished claims she will be among them. However, Robbie Williams has seemingly confirmed his role in the show.

Bollywood star Nora Fatehi is expected to perform the World Cup single ‘Light The Sky’ with Jung Kook of K-Pop sensations BTS confirmed.

Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares are in town to show off the official tournament song ‘Tukoh Taka’.