Hundreds gathered at Kigali Convention Centre as they joined officials from Coca Cola to celebrate, through big screens in Kigali, fascinating moments that shaped the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, November 20, in Qatar.

The opening ceremony was held at Al Bayt Stadium, the venue that hosted the opening match of the world’s most prestigious football competition during which hosts Qatar endured a disappointing start to their campaign, with a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador through a brace from skipper Enner Valencia.

At a venue that was, from the entrance, decorated in the coca cola brand’s customized colors, black and red, the hype was so high as football supporters arrived inside the Convention Centre to witness the first ever winter world cup while enjoying the coca cola drinks and other beverages brewed by Bralirwa.

All the drinks were on service at the venue to ensure that invitees had one of their best experiences as they followed the opening day live, from the ceremony itself to the match that ended in favor of the Ecuadorians.

"we have been waiting for this tournament for four years and there was no better way to start it until Bralirwa, through Coca Cola, made this unique evening a memorable one to cherish,” Hassan, a football fan said.

Coca Cola is one of the longest-standing partners of FIFA through the World Cup and the partnership continues in Qatar. It is the brand that was also behind the World Cup trophy tour until it was unveiled to thousands of spectators who were at Al Bayt Stadium for the official opening of the tournament.

In total, the 2022 edition will stop in 51 countries and territories, taking Coca-Cola and FIFA one step closer to the goal of the trophy going to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations by 2030.