November 21, Monday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1.The FIFA men’s soccer World Cup finals got underway on Sunday in Qatar amid some controversial changes. It’s the first time the tournament has been awarded to a Middle Eastern country, and also the first held outside the traditional European summer window. The opening ceremony featured a taste of the local culture alongside a lineup of international artists.
2.A member of Iran’s national soccer team is speaking out on the eve of the country’s opening game at the World Cup. The player voiced concern about deadly anti-government protests at home. Iranian captain and defender Ehsan Hajsafi told a news conference that players support Iranians who are suffering. He said they have to accept that conditions in Iran are not right and that people are not happy.
3.Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Monday appointed former Foreign Minister Matsumoto Takeaki as the new internal affairs minister. Matsumoto is replacing Terada Minoru, who had come under fire over a series of problems linked to political funds.