A video shared on Facebook purports the 2022 FIFA World Cup opened in Qatar with a public recitation of a section from the Quran.

Verdict: False

The original video shows children reciting verses from the Quran at the inauguration of Al Thumama Stadium in October 2021.

Fact Check:

Iranian players observed a moment of silence in recognition of protests impacting their country during a World Cup match against England Monday, Fox News reported. Two American journalists were detained in Qatar for wearing rainbow-colored clothing in two separate incidents ahead of World Cup matches, according to Yahoo Sports.

The Facebook post purports the 2022 World Cup opened in Qatar with a recitation from the Quran. “A great way to promote the amazing religion of peace to visiting fans,” the post’s caption reads in part.

The claim is false. The original video, which was shared on Twitter by Doha News, shows children reciting verses from the Quran at the inauguration of Al Thumama Stadium in October 2021. In the video, a group of children race onto the field, where they recite verses of “mercy,” according to the video’s caption.

This is how Qatar incorporated its Islamic Culture at the inauguration of the World Cup Al Thumama stadium.
Children were seen reciting verses on ‘mercy’ from the Quran. pic.twitter.com/7xUeeT9qFa

— Doha News (@dohanews) October 24, 2021

“This is how Qatar incorporated its Islamic Culture at the inauguration of the World Cup Al Thumama stadium,” the tweet reads in part. (RELATED: Has Iran Sentenced 15,000 Prisoners To Death?)

Al Thumama Stadium is among the eight stadiums where teams will play during the 2022 World Cup, USA Today reported. A Monday match between Senegal and the Netherlands was scheduled to take place at the stadium, also according to the outlet.

There are no credible news reports suggesting the 2022 World Cup opened in Qatar with a recitation from the Quran. Likewise, the claim is neither mentioned on the FIFA World Cup website nor on its verified social media accounts.

Check Your Fact has contacted FIFA for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.