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:

---

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 17:11 · Nathan Jacobs]

Still a good few days away before England kick off their World Cup campaign against Tunisia but let's hope they're as 'sharp' as they were today. 

If you're interested, Gary Cahill won. 

[14 June 2018 17:17 · Nathan Jacobs]

So... where are we right now?

Well, Russia are 2-0 up and cruising against Saudi Arabia in the first match of the 2018 World Cup, leading through Gazinksy and Cheryshev goals. 

The Spanish press conference is shortly getting under way with Sergio Ramos and new boss Hierro entering. 

[14 June 2018 17:21 · Nathan Jacobs]

Julen Lopetegui is set to be unveiled as Real Madrid boss, an hour after Spain's press conference finishes. 

England will have to consider Marcus Rashford's fitness before Monday's opening game with Tunisia. 

And, if you want to relive Robbie Williams' performance and Vladimir Putin's opening speech check this article: