November 20: The World Cup 2022 is all set to kick off in Qatar on Sunday in a high-stakes event for the tiny nation which has faced a barrage of criticism and staked its reputation on delivering a smooth tournament. Reuters reported that it will be the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East and the most expensive ever in history.

According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the Fifa World Cup in Qatar will finally get under way on Sunday after 12 years of questions, criticisms and conjecture.

Controversial World Cup set to get underway, BBC wrote in its headline.

The opening ceremony of the football extravaganza will begin at 1440 GMT (21:25 NST), before the first match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador.

The build-up to the first tournament to be held in a Muslim country in the Middle East has been overshadowed by a number of controversies, reported BBC, adding, “Fifa has asked all 32 competing nations to  focus on the football.

England defender Eric Dier described the "terrible situation" for migrant workers in Qatar as "disappointing" and told Reuters the issues surrounding the World Cup in the Gulf state had dampened the players' excitement before the showpiece event.

According to Reuters, Qatar has faced intense criticism from human rights groups over its treatment of migrant workers, who with other foreigners comprise the bulk of the country's population.

The government of Qatar has reportedly said its labour system was still a work in progress but denied allegations in a 2021 Amnesty report that thousands of migrant workers in the country were being trapped and exploited.

Qatar and FIFA hope the spotlight will turn to action on the pitch after facing mounting criticism over foreign workers' rights, LGBT rights and social restrictions, added Reuters. Organisers have denied allegations of bribery for hosting rights.