In pictures: 2018 World Cup opening ceremony

In pictures: 2018 World Cup opening ceremony

Robbie Williams helped kick off the 2018 World Cup as Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium played host to the opening ceremony.

The former Take That singer played four songs and was joined on stage by Russian operatic performer Aida Garifullina during the ceremony, which took place immediately before Russia’s opener against Saudi Arabia.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the best pictures from the opening ceremony.

Spanish World Cup winner Iker Casillas presented the trophy

Iker Casillas presented the World Cup trophy
(Darko Bandic/AP)

World Cup opening ceremony
(Darko Bandic/AP)

World Cup opening ceremony
(Matthias Schrader/AP)

Robbie Williams performs at the opening ceremony
(Adam Davy/PA)

World Cup opening ceremony
(Pavel Golovkin/AP)

Aida Garifullina was carried towards the stage on a giant bird

World Cup opening ceremony
(Victor Caivano/AP)

World Cup opening ceremony
(Matthias Schrader/AP)

World Cup opening ceremony
(Antonio Calanni/AP)

World Cup opening ceremony
(Pavel Golovkin/AP)

Vladimir Putin speaks to the crowd
(Adam Davy/PA)

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