The opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup will take place in Doha today, ahead of the opening Group A match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador at 6pm SA time. The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4pm SA time. Although South Africa failed to qualify for the tournament, local soccer fans will join millions others around the world for the month long football festival. The final will take place a week before Christmas on Sunday 18th December. Controversies that have dogged the tournament and the host nation, like the ban of beer sales at stadiums, the welfare of migrant workers and the rights of the LGBTQi community, have somewhat dampened the cheery spirit.

 

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has accused the World Cup critics of hypocrisy during a news conference on the eve of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Infantino's comments came a day before the World Cup begins, in a country which has been criticised over a range of issues since it was named as host of the tournament, 12 years ago, including allegations of human rights violations and treatment of migrant workers. We spoke to Janet Whitton - SAFM Sports Anchor, Mathews Mpete - Daily Sun Sports Editor and Simphiwe Dludlu - Coach of SA's Under 17 Women's National Football Team