World Cup 2018 opening ceremony as it happened: Moscow dazzles as Robbie Williams helps kick off tournament

Everything you need to know for Fifa's 'musical extravaganza'

World Cup: Vladimir Putin welcomes football fans and players

The World Cup gets underway this week, with all eyes on Russia as the country readies to stage the greatest show on earth.

Of course, any World Cup would not be compete without a distinctively corny/glamorous opening ceremony to kick things off.

Here, we provide you with what you need to know.

Follow all the latest World Cup news throughout the day here:

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Preview

What time is the World Cup opening ceremony?

The curtain will be raised at 3:30pm (BST) on Thursday 14 June, just 30 minutes before the opening game between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Where is it taking place?

Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium will host the opening ceremony. A concert will also run concurrently in Moscow's famous Red Square.

What will the opening ceremony involve?

Robbie Williams. What more could you ask for? I've got my fingers crossed for 'Rock DJ', 'Let me entertain you' and 'Feel'. Absolute classics.

Dancers, gymnasts and trampolinists will also be performing in an opening ceremony that will pay homage to all things Russian, as you'd imagine.

“I’m so happy and excited to be going back to Russia for such a unique performance," Williams said.

"I’ve done a lot in my career, and opening the FIFA World Cup to 80,000 football fans in the stadium and many millions all over the world is a boyhood dream.

“We’d like to invite football and music fans to party with us in Russia, in the stadium, or to tune in their TVs a little earlier for an unforgettable show.”

Russia soprano Aida Garifullina will also be joining the English singer for what Fifa has described as a "musical extravaganza". This means it must be good.

Pianist Denis Matsuev will be joined by global opera stars Anna Netrebko, Yusif Eyvazov, Roberto Alanya, Ildar Abdrazakov, Aida Garifullina and Albina Shagimuratova for the concert at Moscow's Red Square.

How can I watch it?

ITV 1 are broadcasting the opening match so will be showing the opening ceremony.

Key Points

• Russia take on Saudi Arabia in the tournament opener in Moscow
• Mohamed Salah is 'almost 100%' fit to start for Egypt against Uruguay
• England's Marcus Rashford misses training for second successive day
• Fernando Hierro faces media for first time as Spain manager

[14 June 2018 12:08 · Nathan Jacobs]

He may have struggled during his four games in charge of Crystal Palace but Frank de Boer is back, but in a different format. 

Here he is writing for the Independent about his time with Netherlands at the '98 World Cup. 

[14 June 2018 12:12 · Nathan Jacobs]

Are Madrid deliberately trying to troll the National team? 

[14 June 2018 12:45 · Nathan Jacobs]

Under 2 hours now before ITV start their coverage of today's opening World Cup game. 

Former Premier League referee, Mark Clattenburg, who's been in Saudi Arabia this year, has given a bit of insight into what to expect from them today.

[14 June 2018 12:51 · Nathan Jacobs]

On the theme of referees, this World Cup is set to be the first ever to utilise the VAR system. 

For those who have avoided football all season long, that is Video Assistant Referee which gives officials the chance to see certain moments they missed during the live action. 

Despite the marked improvement in decision making, it's had criticism for lack of communication with fans and disrupting the flow of games, but, do you think it's a good addition to the World Cup? 

Let us know in the comments section below!

[14 June 2018 13:01 · Nathan Jacobs]

And for those of you still wanting to learn more about VAR and what it's going to look like during this World Cup, check Andrew Griffin's article here: 

[14 June 2018 13:39 · Nathan Jacobs]

Excited yet or do I still have to try harder?

Less than an hour till World Cup 2018 coverage starts on ITV 1! 

[14 June 2018 14:11 · Nathan Jacobs]

Even England have won a World Cup game more recently than these two! 

Will either of these sides break their long-awaited run for victory at a World Cup?

[14 June 2018 14:29 · Nathan Jacobs]

He might have missed a second straight day of training due to a minor niggle but Marcus Rashford still seems in pretty good spirits, if his Twitter is anything to go by. 

He was filmed a couple of weeks ago, walking and doing keepy-uppys simultaneously. 

Now he's tweeted a video of him doing it at a younger age. 

Safe to say, injury or not, he's delighted to be out in Russia with England.

[14 June 2018 14:31 · Nathan Jacobs]

They're ready to go. Are you? #WC2018 

[14 June 2018 14:55 · Nathan Jacobs]

Is it just me or does seeing Slaven Bilic on the ITV World Cup panel remind them of this beauty? 

Don't let us down, Slav.