The greatest show on earth …. the  2018  FIFA  World  Cup  finals  will unfold  in  less  than  24  hours when hosts Russia face off with Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 64  game  tournament  at  the  Luznhiki stadium  in  Moscow.

Footballs world  governing  body  FIFA says  the opening ceremony will have a slightly different format compared to previous editions of the tournament, with a particular focus on musical act, with British  singer Robbie Williams headlining.

The show will also take place much closer to kick-off, just half an hour before the start of the match, which is scheduled for 10am Jamaica time.

Opera singer Placido Domingo – who famously sound tracked Italia ’90 as one of the three tenors alongside Luciano Pavarotti and José Carrera’s – will also be performing……….. Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez will join him.

Around 500 dancers, gymnasts and Trampolinists will also be performing in an opening extravaganza that will pay homage to all things Russian.

There will also be a concert in the city’s famous red square concurrently with the opening ceremony.

As for the opening match and while Russia will have a numerical advantage in the stands at the opening match, the Saudis will still be cheered on by a sizeable contingent of fans, who have traveled to Moscow with the hope of a positive result for their side.