Reports circulated ahead of the match saying that Ecuadorian players were paid millions to sabotage their match against the host nation.
England, who meet Iran in Group B, will be desperate to start strongly as they target an end to their decades-long trophy drought after two near misses in recent years.
Long before the final whistle at the spectacular Bedouin tent-inspired Al Bayt Stadium, the host nation's fans among the 67,372 crowd had started heading for the exits.
Chaotic scenes broke out inside and outside the fan festival at Al Bidda Park in Doha on Sunday an hour before the kick off of the opening World Cup match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador after organisers allowed too many fans to flood the precinct.
Qatar's ruler opened the World Cup on Sunday with a call for people of all races and orientations to put aside their differences, speaking as the host nation faced a barrage of criticism over its treatment of foreign workers and LGBT rights.
The NFL great finalised his divorce from supermodel Gisele Bundchen at the end of October.
The announcement came during FIFA President Gianni Infantino's press conference.
Rumours have been circulating that Qatar paid fake fans from Pakistan to don various national team colours and fill World Cup stadiums.
Qatar went back on the agreement which allowed them to secure hosting rights in the first place.
Alcoholic beer will not be sold at Qatar's World Cup stadiums, world soccer governing body FIFA said on Friday, a last minute reversal which raised questions among some supporters about the host country's ability to deliver on promises to fans.
World Cup chiefs on Friday banned beer sales around stadiums in a stunning u-turn just two days before kickoff as Cristiano Ronaldo prepared to jet in to Qatar.
Some offences are punishable by the death penalty so visitors are urged to be very careful.
Queen Elizabeth II is rumoured to have been a fan of the Manchester United legend.
Cristiano Ronaldo is happy for Arsenal to win the Premier League this season if Manchester United are not in the title race.
The 37-year-old was reportedly keen to leave the club even before the campaign began after United failed to qualify for the Champions League.
A Danish TV crew was threatened by local officials while they were filming a World Cup preview segment earlier this week.
Cristiano Ronaldo has criticised his Manchester United teammates with Raphael Varane making it clear that they will accept the club's decision with regards to the Portuguese star's future.
The French forward is rumoured to be dating transgender Playboy model Ines Rau.
France suffered yet another injury blow ahead of their opening World Cup game against Australia after Christopher Nkunku was ruled out on Monday.
It was earlier reported that the Colombian will perform alongside the Black Eyed Peas and BTS member Jung Kook.
The president of the world football body called Tuesday for a one-month ceasefire in Ukraine to mark the World Cup, saying sport could bring people together.
England and the Netherlands will be the first World Cup heavyweights to arrive in Qatar on Tuesday as FIFA President Gianni Infantino again urged teams to focus on the football.
The host nation is on high alert after it was revealed that members of the terrorist organisation are planning attacks targeting the event.
A teenage footballer from India's southern city of Chennai passed away after alleged negligence by the hospital while treating an ACL injury.
Cristiano Ronaldo admitted that he was left hurt after Manchester United officials doubted him over claims about his daughter.
Cristiano Ronaldo says Manchester United have not evolved since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure as manager in 2013.
Even in oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which has the Arab world's largest economy and shares a land border with Qatar, fans said the costs were prohibitive.
The players are open about their relationship in the dressing room, but have yet to go completely public.
The Colombian singer recently ended her relationship with 2010 World Cup winner Gerard Pique.
The prediction is based on EA Sports' FIFA 23 videogame simulation.