FIFA World Cup

For the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Airstage transformed the stadium airspace into a powerful symbol of global unity.

Date and Client

  • Location: Lusail Stadium, Qatar
  • Date: December 2022
  • Client: FiveCurrents

Global Ascent

A formation of thirty-two internally lit orbs, each carried by a performer, appeared on stage before millions watching in person and on TV. Every orb featured an individual design representing one of the competing nations. While thirty remained held low in formation, the orbs for Argentina and France broke away and rose into the air. Floating side by side, these two glowing spheres served as a prelude to the final between the two nations.

Oceanic Immersion

Another highlight of the ceremony was an underwater-inspired sequence, where flying dolphins and whales appeared above live singers, creating a “controlled chaos” of motion. Gliding fluidly through light and projection, these aerial elements extended the stage into the vertical space, surrounding the performance with a sense of depth and motion, and turning the stadium into an immersive oceanic environment.