AL KHOR, Qatar, Nov 20, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Thousands of spectators left the World Cup's opening match in Qatar early on Sunday as the host nation trailed Ecuador 2-0, AFP reporters in the stadium said.

The Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, 50 kilometres (31 miles) outside of Doha, had been full for the opening ceremony before the match, with an official attendance of 67,372 given by FIFA.

Hundreds of fans began leaving once Qatar went 2-0 down in the first half.

As the second half wore on, more and more spectators departed until the stadium was half full by the final whistle.

The match finished 2-0.