A history of FIFA World Cup opening matches
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar began on November 20, with the host nation being beaten 2-0 by Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
The host nation hasn’t always kicked off the tournament, though. Up until the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, it was the previous winners of the competition that played in the opening match. This is a brief, summarised look at every one of the 21 opening matches in World Cup history…
There have been some thrillers and lots of memorable moments in World Cup curtain raisers. From Siphiwe Tshabalala’s screamer for South Africa against Mexico in 2010 to nine-man Cameroon shocking world champions Argentina at Italia ’90.
As mentioned, Qatar will be kicking off the tournament and it is their first ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup. They are facing an Ecuadorian side that will be looking to add their sixth win at the tournament, following impressive performances this century, most notably reaching the knockout stages in 2006.
Both teams have scored and/or there have been over two goals in the opening match of each of the last four FIFA World Cup's so it is always one worth watching for the neutral, aside from the general significance.
