The ceremony was also attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, head delegates of participating countries and officials of the host organization, the Russian Football Union.

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An art performance at the opening ceremony. Photo: Reuters.

Speaking at the event, President Vladimir Putin welcomed all guests to the legendary Moscow Luzhniki stadium and everyone present gathered in the numerous fan zones of the 2018 FIFA World Cup while many more watched the ceremony on TV or online.

He said that the Russian people have prepared responsibly for the event and did their best so that fans, athletes and team officials could immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a magnificent football festival and enjoy their stay in Russia.

Right after the opening ceremony, the first match of the World Cup between the national teams of Russia and Saudi Arabia kicked off. Russia won the match at the score of 5-0.

Translated by Trung Thanh