The World Cup kicks off today with a match between Qatar (host of the competition) and Ecuador. The match at Al-Bayt Stadium is included in Group A and will start at 18:00.

Qatar fans at the 2022 World CupPhoto: Nick Potts/PA Images/Profimedia

*The opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is on LiveBLOG on HotNews.ro and live on TVR 1.

Qatar – Ecuador (LiveBLOG from 18:00), in Group A of the World Cup 2022 Qatar

Starting teams

Qatar: 1. Al-Shib – 3. Hassan, 16. Huhi, 15. Al-Rawi – 14. Ahmed, 6. Hatem, 12. Boudiaf, 2. Pedro Miguel – 11. Afif, 19. Almoez, 10. Al-Haydos . coach: Felix Sanchez Bass

Reserves: 21. Hassan, 22. Barsham – 4. Waad, 5. Salman, 7. Alaaeldin, 8. Asadalla, 9. Muntari, 13. Khoder, 17. Mohammad, 18. Mazid, 20. Al-Hajri, 23. Madibo, 24. Al-Hadhrami, 25. Abdulsallam, 26. Meshaal.

Ecuador: 1. Galindes – 17. Preciado, 2. Torres, 3. Hincapie, 7. Estupinan – 19. Plata, 20. Mendez, 23. Caicedo, 10. Ibarra Mina – 13. Valencia, 11. Estrada. coach: Gustavo Alfaro.

Reserves: 12. Arana, 22. Dominguez – 4. Arboleda, 5. Cifuentes, 6. Pacho, 8. Grueso, 9. Preciado, 14. Arreaga, 15. Mena, 16. Sarmiento, 18. Palacios, 21. Franco, 24. Reasco, 25. Poroso, 26. K. Rodriguez.