FIFA World Cup 2018: Opening Ceremony
ITV, 2.30PM
Regardless of how you think Russia got to be awarded the 21st staging of football’s biggest tournament (by corrupt means or otherwise), it’s time to cast those aspersions aside because the Russia 2018 championship is here.
But, two hours before a ball is kicked, the opening ceremony marks the official start of the highest prize in football. And as we all know, entertaining opening ceremonies can be a great curtain-raiser for sport events, if they are done well – think the London 2012 Olympics.
This one takes place at the 80,000-seat Luzhniki Stadium, which is the jewel in Russia’s crown of stadiums and will also host the final on July 15. Mark Pougatch presents the live coverage of the ceremony, which is headlined by actor and rapper Will Smith and Nicky Jam, who will perform Live It Up, the official World Cup song. There will also be a performance by Robbie Williams. As well as those, the ceremony will include local performers showing off different aspects of Russian culture, with gymnasts in among the fireworks and performances on display.
The matches get under way following the ceremony with the host nation against Saudi Arabia. Clive Morgan