FIFA World Cup 2018: Robbie Williams and Ronaldo at the opening ceremony
The countdown is on: The football World Cup starts in Russia on Thursday. Before the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia fans can look forward to three international stars, as the World Football Association FIFA announced on Monday.
"Unforgettable show"
For example, entertainer Robbie Williams (44) will cheer on the crowd at the Moscow Lushniki Stadium. "I am delighted to be returning to Russia for such a unique appearance, having made many things in my career, and the inauguration of the FIFA World Cup in front of 80,000 fans in the stadium and millions of spectators around the world is a childhood dream "Williams says. "We would like to invite football and music fans to celebrate in Russia with us in the stadium or turn on their TVs a little earlier so as not to miss the unforgettable show."
The Russian soprano Aida Garifullina (30) will perform at the opening. "I would not have dreamed that I would play a role in this great festival in my home country - the World Cup -" said the soloist of the Vienna State Opera.
"A memorable event"
The Brazilian football legend Ronaldo (41) provides sporty glamor. "The opening game is always very symbolic, and right now you realize that the big moment you've been waiting for as a player or fan for four years is finally here - nobody knows what will happen in the four weeks of the tournament, but all of them are sure that it will be a memorable event, "believes the two-time world champion.
The opening ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup should have a slightly different format this time than previous tournaments. For example, the ceremony will focus on musical live acts. The celebration will therefore take place only half an hour before the kick-off of the opening match, which is scheduled for 18.00 clock (local time).
The 21st FIFA World Cup will be held in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018.
