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PHOTOS: FIFA World Cup 2018 Begins In Russia With Dazzling Opening Ceremony

British singer Robbin Williams and Russian soprano Aida Garifullina performed at the ceremony.
Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA via Getty Images

The FIFA World Cup 2018 was kicked off in Moscow with a dazzling opening ceremony at the Luzhniki Stadium, before the first match between host Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The 15-minute show, Reuters reported, was produced by Russia's state Channel One. The ceremoney reportedly broke from tradition, focusing on musical acts including a performance of Pyotr Tchaikovsky in front of full stands.

The report said that Iker Casillas and Russian supermodel and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova brought the World Cup trophy onto the pitch in a Louis Vuitton travel case.

Here are photos from the event:

Williams performed one of is most popular songs 'Rock DJ', among others during the ceremony.
Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
Williams performed one of is most popular songs 'Rock DJ', among others during the ceremony.
British singer Robbie Williams performs at the opening ceremony.
Valery Sharifulin via Getty Images
British singer Robbie Williams performs at the opening ceremony.
He was joined by Russian soprano Aida Garifullina.
Stanislav Krasilnikov via Getty Images
He was joined by Russian soprano Aida Garifullina.
Robbie Williams and Aida Garifullina perform at the opening ceremony.
EMPICS Sport
Robbie Williams and Aida Garifullina perform at the opening ceremony.
Football legend Ronaldo and Zabivaka, the Russian mascot of the FIFA World Cup, were seen kicking around the ball.
Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA via Getty Images
Football legend Ronaldo and Zabivaka, the Russian mascot of the FIFA World Cup, were seen kicking around the ball.
Artists perform in the opening ceremony.
Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
Artists perform in the opening ceremony.
Russian Soprano Aida Garifullina performs during the opening ceremony.
Lars Baron - FIFA via Getty Images
Russian Soprano Aida Garifullina performs during the opening ceremony.
Artists representing the countries that were playing the first match -- Russia and Saudia Arabia -- perform at the ceremony.
Lars Baron - FIFA via Getty Images
Artists representing the countries that were playing the first match -- Russia and Saudia Arabia -- perform at the ceremony.
Dancers perform at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Getty Images
Dancers perform at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Spanish footballer Iker Casillas holds the 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy during the opening ceremony.
Sergei Bobylev via Getty Images
Spanish footballer Iker Casillas holds the 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy during the opening ceremony.
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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.