Robbie Williams and Aida Garifullina perform during the opening ceremony.
Robbie Williams and Aida Garifullina perform during the opening ceremony.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

Story highlights

Russia hosts 2018 World Cup

Opening ceremony held in Moscow

Tournament runs from June 14-July 15

CNN  — 

After billions of dollars spent, new stadiums built and much anticipation, the 2018 World Cup got underway with a musical opening ceremony.

English pop star Robbie Williams, former Brazil striker Ronaldo – scorer of 15 goals over three tournaments – and Russia soprano Aida Garifullina were the star attractions at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium before the opening match of Russia 2018 kicked off.

Thirty minutes before the Group A opener between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia, the show began with a performance of work by celebrated Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

Williams then gave proceedings a more modern twist by singing “Let Me Entertain You.”

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Updated 10:23 PM EDT, Thu June 14, 2018
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Germany's defender and captain Philipp Lahm (front-R) holds up the World Cup trophy as he celebrates on with his teammates after winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match between Germany and Argentina 1-0 following extra-time at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 13, 2014. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)
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Russian musicians featured heavily, from harpist and composer Alexander Boldachev to pianist Daniil Trifonov and Garifullina, who performed a duet with Williams. The pair sang the pop star’s worldwide hit “Angels.”

Ronaldo and World Cup mascot Zabivaka made a symbolic first kick with an official match ball – a ball which was sent to the International Space Station in March, returning to earth on June 3.

Artists perform in the World Cup's opening ceremony.
Artists perform in the World Cup's opening ceremony.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

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Around 800 people performed in a ceremony which celebrated the start of football’s showpiece event. A tournament which will feature 32 teams competing in 64 games across 11 cities.