Soccer crazy fans across the world are in for a major treat when the 21st edition of the Football World Cup gets underway on Thursday in Russia.
The month long showpiece event is slated to conclude on 15 July.
The competition will feature 32 teams including defending champions Germany, who will play it out in 64 games in 12 stadiums across 11 cities.
BBC TV, Red Button and iPlayer, BBC Sport Website and Radio5 live will provide coverage of the entire event.
The tournament is already shrouded in controversy with Spain sacking their head coach just two days before the commencement.
The Spanish federation has decided to sack Julen Lopetegui.
President of Federation, Luis Rubiales, preferred his sacking from the moment he heard Lopetegui was the new RM manager only minutes before the official confirmation yesterday. His position won the debate with players
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) June 13, 2018
Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium will be host to a grand opening ceremony at 6.30 pm IST which will be attended by Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
British pop star Robbie Williams is set to perform at the grand launch along with Russian soprano Aida Garifullina, which will be telecast live by Sony Network.
Three Tenors singer Placid Domingo is also a part of the starry line- up. However, the theme song Line It Up is not officially confirmed yet as having a live rendition.
