Qatar's ruler opened the World Cup with a call for people of all races and orientations to put aside their differences.
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was speaking as the host nation faced a barrage of criticism over its treatment of foreign workers and LGBT rights.
The Muslim Gulf nation is staking its reputation on delivering a smooth tournament and has denied accusations of abuse of workers and discrimination.
Governing body FIFA hopes the spotlight will now turn to action on the pitch.
Organisers have also denied allegations of bribery for winning the rights to host football's biggest event.
"People of all races, nationalities, beliefs and orientations will gather here in Qatar and around screens across the continents to share in the exciting moments," the emir said in a speech in a tent-shaped stadium.
"How lovely it is that people can put aside what divides them to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time."
Sheikh Tamim arrived at the stadium flanked by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to a roaring crowd, and took their seats alongside other Arab leaders.
A show then unfolded on the pitch, featuring three camels, American actor Morgan Freeman and a performance of a new tournament song called Dreamers featuring singer Jungkook of K-pop boy band BTS, alongside Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.
Saudi Arabia's crown prince and the presidents of Egypt, Turkey and Algeria, as well as the United Nations Secretary-General, were among leaders at the stadium ahead of the first match between the hosts and Ecuador.
Inside Al Bayt Stadium many seats were still vacant with gridlock on the motorway leading to the arena. Cheers went up as Qatar's team appeared for their opening match.
The tournament, the first held in the Middle East and the most expensive in its history, is a culmination of Qatar's soft power push, after a three-year boycott by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain that ended in 2021.
The UAE, whose rapprochement with Doha has been slower than that of Riyadh and Cairo, sent its vice president who is also ruler of Dubai, where many World Cup fans have opted to stay.
For the first time, a direct commercial flight from Tel Aviv to Doha landed in Qatar today, despite the absence of formal bilateral ties, in a deal brokered by FIFA to carry both Palestinians and Israelis to the tournament.
The Gulf state's Deputy Prime Minister Khalid Al-Attiyah, in remarks on state media, said Qatar was reaping benefits of years of "hard work and sound planning".
Denmark's and Germany's team captains will wear One Love armbands as they prepare to compete in a conservative Muslim state where same-sex relations are illegal. Organisers say all are welcome, while warning against public affection.
Throngs of fans were already arriving in Qatar, but the main rush will be later this week.
Crowd control will be key with some 1.2 million visitors expected - more than a third of Qatar's population.
Chaos at Al Bidda fan fest before opener
Chaotic scenes broke out inside and outside the fan festival at Al Bidda Park in Doha an hour before the kick off after organisers allowed too many fans to flood the precinct.
The venue has a capacity of 40,000 but at least double that number of people tried to make their way in and for a long time many were let into a holding area between the main festival park and the perimeter entrance.
Police realised the problem and had to shepherd irate supporters back out of the venue.
"It was dangerous," one fan carrying a child aged nearly four, who had exited the holding area, told Reuters.
"They let too many people in. We never made it into the main area and I was glad to leave."
The police took about 45 minutes to clear the excess fans from the area.
Frustrated local fans, volunteers and media were visibly upset with police, but supporters of other countries appeared more understanding.
While the scenes were chaotic at Al Bidda, at the famous Souk Waqif market fans from all over the world converged with many flags from Saudi Arabia and Iran on show, as well as a strong representation from South America.
After all the controversy and the uncertainty, the 22nd World Cup is about to begin. Will Qatar have some glorious moments to add to the rich history of the tournament?#FifaWorldCup #rtesoccer
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 20, 2022
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