THE PEOPLE’S GAME

Soccer’s grassroots keep growing as World Cup kicks off in Qatar

The FIFA World Cup kicked off on Sunday in Qatar, with the attention of the soccer world focused on the first Middle Eastern nation to host the tournament.

But soccer is not only about watching the world’s greatest players compete on the biggest stage. The sport transcends the elite level and is still the people’s game.

Children and adults alike enjoy kickabouts — some in organized matches at the grassroots level and others just for the fun of it on dirt roads and beaches. Wherever they can really. Some play barefoot or in sandals because they can’t afford the expensive footwear that professionals use, as these pictures from around the world illustrate.

Ultimately, all you need is a ball and a little space — either on grass, artificial turf or even just a dusty backyard or playground.

Here’s hoping the superstars competing for the ultimate prize in Qatar will inspire a new generation worldwide to chase their dreams on the soccer pitch.

AP A child stands with a homemade soccer ball at his feet at an open space in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Nov 13. The World Cup kicked off this weekend in Qatar, marking the first time the tournament has been hosted by a Middle Eastern nation. By staging the tournament in a nontraditional soccer country, FIFA hopes to expand the game’s marketing reach around the globe and ultimately boost both elite and grassroots soccer.

AP People enjoy an evening kickabout at Tundikhel, backdropped by the landmark Dharahara, aka Bhimsen Tower, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Nov 9.

AP Two boys play soccer at an open space in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Nov 13. Africa is represented at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar by Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, Cameroon and Ghana.

AFP People spend time on the beach near the England team’s World Cup hotel, Souq Al Wakra, on Nov 12. The five-star resort is a 30-minute drive south of Doha.

AFP Kids in Karachi, Pakistan, play soccer last week in front of a mural depicting the teams competing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Children play soccer at the Rua 3 avenue in the Brazilian city of Manaus on Nov 12. The avenue has been decorated in support of Brazil’s World Cup campaign in Qatar.*AFP

AP A child tries to save a goal near a mural of late Argentina soccer legend Diego Maradona in Buenos Aires on Nov 12.

AFP Children play soccer in Doha on Nov 16 ahead of the World Cup. FIFA hopes the tournament will encourage more kids in the Middle East to pick up the game.