IN PHOTOS | FIFA World Cup host Qatar loses opening match as tournament kicks off

The FIFA World Cup kicked off in Qatar on Sunday with an opening ceremony that featured celebrities,fireworks and messages about unity, ahead of Ecuador's win over the host country in the tournament's inaugural match.

About 1.2 million foreign fans are expectedin Qatar, a conservative Muslim country, for the tournament, which runs until Dec. 18.

Despite Qatar's poor human rights record and all the controversiessurrounding these games, 32 teams from around the world, including Canada, will play 64 games in eight stadiums in and around the city of Doha. Here's a look atthe fans, theteams and more.

Ecuador triumphs overhosts

Ecuador's Jose Cifuentes celebrates with fans after his team's 2-0 win over Qatar in the opening Group A match on Sunday.

(Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Qatar's Mohammed Muntari reacts after missing a shot at goal late in the game, which was his team's bestchance to score.

(Dylan Martinez/Reuters)

Ecuador's Pervis Estupinan, left, and Jhegson Mendez pray in celebration oftheir team'swin as a Qatari player looks defeated.

(Darko Bandic/The Associated Press)

Opening ceremony

Fireworks explode over the tent-shaped Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor during the opening ceremony on Sunday. It is the first time that the World Cup has beenstaged in the Middle East.

(Elsa/Getty Images)

La'eeb, the official mascot of the 2022World Cup, floats above performers during the ceremony. The mascot is based on a ghutra headdress, and its name is anArabic word meaning "super-skilled player," according to FIFA.

(Danielle Parhizkaran/USA Today Sports)

Actor Morgan Freeman made a surprise appearance on stage with Qatari YouTuber Ghanim Al Muftah, a 20-year-old who was born with a rare condition thatimpairs the development of the lower spine.

(Natacha Pisarenko/The Associated Press)

BTS pop star Jung Kook and Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi perform during the opening ceremony.

(Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters)

Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thanigave a short speech, asking teams and fans"to put aside what divides them,"amid condemnationof the host country's poor human rights record.

(Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Team arrivals

Canada's Atiba Hutchinson, left, and Milan Borjan arrive with other team members in Doha on Friday. It's the first time in 36 years thatCanada has qualifiedto playin the tournament.

(Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters)

Thebus for Team Germany is seen during the arrival of team membersat Zulal Wellness-Resortin Doha on Thursday.

(Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

A member of the Argentine team looks out a window of the aircraft featuring a pictureof Lionel Messi, in Doha, on Thursday.

(Hannah Mckay/Reuters)

Showing their team spirit

Portugal fans reactat Souq Waqifmarketplace in Doha on Nov. 11.

(Suhaib Salem/Reuters)

Uruguay fans roam the streets with flags and scarvesat Souq Waqifon Thursday.

(Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Supporters from Tunisia pose for a picture at Souq Waqifon Wednesday.

(Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Mexico fans wander the streetsat Souq Waqif on Thursday.

(Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Statues andart installations

A statue along the Corniche, Doha's waterfront promenade with sweeping views of the Qatar capital, is seen on Wednesday.

(Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters)

One of many World Cup statues in Souq Waqifpictured on Tuesday.

(Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters)

An art installation is seen ahead of the World Cup.

(Marko Djurica/Reuters)

Among the giants in soccer world

A large banner of Canada's forward Jonathan David is displayed on a building in Doha on Nov. 8.

(Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)

Brazil's Neymar is pictured on a building in West Bay in Doha.

(Carl Recine/Reuters)

An image of Salem Al-Dawsari of Saudi Arabia adorns a skyscraper in West Bay on Nov. 14.

(Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Decorations and preparations

People stand next to the countdown clock at theCornichein Doha on Nov. 13.

(Marko Djurica/Reuters)

Promotional banners in the Msheireb areain Doha on Wednesday.

(Michael Steele/Getty Images)

A street decorated with national flags in Doha on Nov. 7.

(Suhaib Salem/Reuters)

Some nightlife

In an about-face, Qatar has banned the sale of beer at the World Cup, two days before the opening game. The countrydoesn't ban liquor outright, but alcohol sales are heavily restricted.Here, people gatherduring opening night of HIDE club attheInterContinental Doha where beer is typically available in hotel bars.

(Hannah Mckay/Reuters)

(Hannah Mckay/Reuters)

(Hannah Mckay/Reuters)

Overcrowded concert

On Saturday night, authorities turned away thousands of fans from a concerton the eve of the World Cup. Those who were allowed into the Fan Zone at Doha's Al Bidda Park caught performances byLebanese singer Myriam Fares and Colombian singer Maluma.Many were able to purchase beer at the venue one of the few associated with FIFA where alcoholic purchases are allowed.

(Molly Darlington/Reuters)

(Molly Darlington/Reuters)

(Marko Djurica/Reuters)