The FIFA World Cup began today with the first match played between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium ©Getty Images

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Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hailed the diversity on show at the FIFA World Cup - despite his country facing criticism over outlawing same-sex relationships ©Getty Images
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hailed the diversity on show at the FIFA World Cup - despite his country facing criticism over outlawing same-sex relationships ©Getty Images



Prior to kickoff, the Opening Ceremony set the arena alight in Al Khor ©Getty Images
Prior to kickoff, the Opening Ceremony set the arena alight in Al Khor ©Getty Images
Inflatable mascots from preceding World Cups all the way back to World Cup Willie, the mascot for the 1966 tournament in England, featured in the festivities ©Getty Images
Inflatable mascots from preceding World Cups all the way back to World Cup Willie, the mascot for the 1966 tournament in England, featured in the festivities ©Getty Images
The crowd erupted when they were joined by 2022 mascot La'eeb which flew into the air ©Getty Images
The crowd erupted when they were joined by 2022 mascot La'eeb which flew into the air ©Getty Images
Following the Opening Ceremony, Qatar began its controversial hosting of the FIFA World Cup ©Getty Images
Following the Opening Ceremony, Qatar began its controversial hosting of the FIFA World Cup ©Getty Images
There was also controversy on the pitch as Ecuador had a goal ruled out inside three minutes for a marginal offside ©Getty Images
There was also controversy on the pitch as Ecuador had a goal ruled out inside three minutes for a marginal offside ©Getty Images
Enner Valencia then ensured he got on the scoresheet with a calm penalty  ©Getty Images
Enner Valencia then ensured he got on the scoresheet with a calm penalty ©Getty Images
It was an easy decision for the referee to make before Valencia's goal made him the highest-scoring Ecuadorian in World Cup history ©Getty Images
It was an easy decision for the referee to make before Valencia's goal made him the highest-scoring Ecuadorian in World Cup history ©Getty Images
Valencia doubled the lead 15 minutes later with a powerful header into the bottom corner ©Getty Images
Valencia doubled the lead 15 minutes later with a powerful header into the bottom corner ©Getty Images


With Qatar thoroughly outplayed thousands of fans did not return for the second half ©Getty Images
With Qatar thoroughly outplayed thousands of fans did not return for the second half ©Getty Images