When is the World Cup opening ceremony 2022? Time, day, performers, and how to watch, stream live from Qatar

Before a ball is kicked at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, an opening ceremony will signal the official start of the tournament. 

Opening ceremonies are a common part of major sporting events and FIFA have made a habit of delivering star-studded events in the past. 

The 2022 tournament looks poised to deliver on this front too with music icons lined up to kickoff proceedings. 

The Sporting News brings you all you need to know about the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony. 

MORE: Complete 2022 World Cup schedule | How much money do the World Cup winners make? 

World Cup opening ceremony time and day

• Date: November 20
• Time: 17:00 local / 09:00 ET / 14:00 GMT / 01:00 (Nov 21) AEDT
• Location: Al Bayt Stadium

As is custom, the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony will take place around two hours prior to the first match of the tournament. 

In this case, that game will be between hosts Qatar and Ecuador on November 20 with a scheduled kickoff time of 19:00 (local time).

That fixture was originally scheduled to take place on November 21 but was subsequently shifted by organisers.

“The change ensures the continuity of a long-standing tradition of marking the start of the FIFA World Cup with an opening ceremony on the occasion of the first match featuring either the hosts or the defending champions,” a FIFA statement read. 

“The decision followed an assessment of the competition and operational implications, as well as a thorough consultation process and an agreement with key stakeholders and the host country.”

World Cup opening ceremony performers

FIFA are yet to confirm who will be performing at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony.

According to various reports, Shakira, who famously performed at previous opening ceremonies, will be among the entertainers. 

Other possible performers that have been mentioned include: Dua Lipa, BTS, Black Eyed Peas, J Balvin, Nora Fatehi and Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie.

American rapper Lil Baby released an official anthem for the World Cup in late September and tweeted confirmation not long after that he would be performing at the tournament in some capacity. 

The 2018 World Cup in Russia saw the likes of Will Smith, Robbie Williams and Aida Garifullina perform.  

How to watch World Cup opening ceremony live

The 2022 World Cup opening ceremony will attract a huge global audience with the event set to be televised and streamed in various ways across the world.