Before the World Cup begins on Sunday, world leaders, politicians, diplomats, and monarchy have started to converge in Qatar.
Paul Kagame, the president of Rwanda, was seen at Hamad International Airport on Sunday after Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Doha on Saturday.
Following years of chilly relations, Saudi Arabia and Doha reestablished diplomatic relations in January 2021, which led to Prince Mohammed’s visit in Qatar.
On November 22, Saudi Arabia will face Argentina in Group C.
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the president of Egypt, will also be present at the opening ceremony, Egyptian state TV said on Sunday.
Those who couldn’t come in person wrote supportive words.
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, called Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday. To congratulate the host nation and wish the Qatari national team luck in their next games, he phoned the emir’s office.
On Sunday, the formal opening ceremony is set to begin at 5 p.m. (14:00 GMT) at Al Bayt Stadium before the first-ever Qatar-Ecuador game at 7 p.m. (16:00 GMT).
According to the emir’s office, “a number of Their Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies Heads of States and Heads of Delegations of Brotherly and Friendly Countries” will attend the inaugural ceremony.
Senegal and the Netherlands are the opponents that Qatar, making their World Cup debut in Group A, will play on November 25 and November 29, respectively.
