Photo: Clive Mason/Getty
King Felipeof Spain is cheering for his country.
King Felipe, 54, stepped out at the2022 FIFA World CupQatar on Wednesday to watch the Spanish team play their first game. The King sat beside Spanish Royal Football Federation President Luis Rubiales at Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha, where they saw Spain beat Costa Rica 7-0 — the highest-ever margin of win for the national team at the World Cup,FOX Soccerreported.
It remains unclear if King Felipe will stay in Doha for Spain’s next game (against Germany) on Sunday. Gert’s Royalsnotesthat the Spanish sovereign is the first senior-ranking European royal to attend a World Cup match this year.
Even before it began, the elite event has been embroiled in controversy over its host city. Qatar has faced criticism for its systemic discrimination against women and the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the reported deaths of 37 migrant workers helping to construct the stadiums where the games are being played, perThe Guardian.
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Meanwhile, at least two future kings are not expected to attend the World Cup.Hello!previously cited a Kensington Palace spokesperson in reporting thatPrince Williamwould not attend the Doha tournament due to his “busy winter schedule.”
Elsewhere in Europe, no Danish royal family members or elected officials planned to go amid a transition in government,The Localreported earlier is month. TheAFPalso notes that Denmark is among the most vocal critics of the Qatar World Cup because of the country’s human rights record.
Though they’re not there in person, bothPrince WilliamandCrown Prince Frederikare rooting for their teams from afar. William, 40, awardedspecial jerseysto Team England before they left last week and has tweetedwords of supportfor both the English and Welsh teams since.
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The Royal House of Denmark similarly posted a festive photo of Frederik, 54, wearing a scarf in the national colors onInstagramTuesday.
“The football World Cup for Denmark starts ⚽️🇩🇰👏,” they tweeted. “Come on guys!”
source: people.com
