Robbie Williams helped kick off the 2018 World Cup as Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium played host to the opening ceremony.
The former Take That singer played four songs and was joined on stage by Russian operatic performer Aida Garifullina during the ceremony, which took place immediately before Russia’s opener against Saudi Arabia.
Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the best pictures from the opening ceremony.
Spanish World Cup winner Iker Casillas presented the trophy
The participating nations were represented
A dancer balancing on a giant football while juggling regular-sized balls took centre-stage
Robbie Williams performed
Aida Garifullina was carried towards the stage on a giant bird
Before performing a duet with the Englishman
Former Brazil striker Ronaldo was there
As were FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Russia president Vladimir Putin
Putin spoke to the crowd
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