Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani opened the World Cup on Sunday with a call for people of all races and orientations to put aside their differences.
"People of all races, nationalities, beliefs and orientations will gather here in Qatar and around screens across the continents to share in the exciting moments," he said in a speech in a tent-shaped stadium.
"How lovely it is that people can put aside what divides them to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time."
Sheikh Tamim 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, Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and the rulers of Türkiye and Algeria, as well as the United Nations Secretary-General, were among leaders at the stadium ahead of the first match between the hosts and Ecuador.
Inside Al Bayt Stadium many seats were still vacant with gridlock on the expressway leading to the arena. Cheers went up as Qatar's team appeared for their opening match.
For the first time, a direct commercial flight from Tel Aviv to Doha landed in Qatar on Sunday despite the absence of formal bilateral ties, in a deal brokered by FIFA to carry both Palestinians and Israelis to the tournament.
The Gulf state's Deputy Prime Minister Khalid Al-Attiyah, in remarks on state media, said Qatar was reaping benefits of years of "hard work and sound planning".
Throngs of fans were already arriving in Qatar, but the main rush will be later this week.
Argentina fan Julio Cesar though said he expected a great atmosphere.
Visitors soaked up the atmosphere at the FIFA Fan Festival in central Doha. Outside the city's edges, hundreds of workers gathered in a sports arena in an industrial zone. They can watch matches there, priced out of the stadiums many toiled to build along with other infrastructure for the event.
Crowd control will be key with some 1.2 million visitors expected - more than a third of Qatar's population.
Workers were putting final touches to Doha's landscape, including draping a purple tarpaulin over an unfinished building near the stadium where the final will be held.
At Lagoona Mall, residents were going about their business.
"I came now because I don't know how bad the traffic will be later this week," said Egyptian woman Esraa, out grocery shopping.
