Robbie Williams and Russian soprano Aida Garifullina will entertain the crowd at the opening ceremony of the World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium.

They will be joined by Brazil's two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo at the ceremony that will be held just 30 minutes before the kick-off to the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

"I'm so happy and excited to be going back to Russia for such a unique performance," said Williams.

"I've done a lot in my career, and opening the FIFA World Cup to 80,000 football fans in the stadium and many millions all over the world is a boyhood dream."

The underlying theme of celebrating not only football but also the host country will be represented by a performance from Garifullina.

"I never imagined I would be part of this huge celebration, the World Cup, happening in my own country," said the soloist from the Vienna State Opera.

"The image that I will be presenting to the whole world will be very symbolic and associated with a dream coming to life.

"And, on 15 July, we will find out for whom this precious dream will come true, back on the same stage, after a month-long festival of football in Russia."

Ronaldo won the World Cup in 1994 and then claimed the golden shoe with eight goals as he led Brazil to the trophy again in 2002.

And he said the memories of your first taste of World Cup action are to be cherished.

"The opening match is always a very symbolic one - it is that instant when you realise that the big moment you, as a player or fan, have been waiting for four years has finally arrived," he said.

"Of course it is also an emotional one for the hosts. After so much hard work, suddenly the whole world is gathered in your backyard to celebrate their love for football.

"I felt that in Brazil four years ago and I am now happy to share this excitement with the Russians as well."

Williams released a single called 'Party Like A Russian' from his 2016 album 'The Heavy Entertainment Show'.

It features lyrics such as: "It takes a certain kind of man with a certain reputation to alleviate the cash from a whole entire nation.

"Take my loose change and build my own space station, ain't no refutin' or disputin' - I'm a modern Rasputin, subcontract disputes to some brutes in Louboutin, act highfalutin' while my boys put the boots in."

Online Editors