PICS | FIFA World Cup: Morgan Freeman joins host nation Qatar light up opening ceremony

The 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in the Al-Bayt stadium, one of seven built specially for the tournament at a cost of $6.5 billion, featured South Korean K-pop star Jung Kook and Hollywood superstar Morgan Freeman.

The 85-year-old actor gave a message of diversity, while Ghanim Al-Muftah, a Qatari activist for the disabled, born with the rare Caudal Regression Syndrome, appeared with Freeman and stated to the crowd: "Everyone is welcome".

Here are stunning images from the 30 minute opening ceremony: