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.