<P> The full schedule was announced by FIFA on 24 July 2015 (without kick - off times, which were confirmed later). On 1 December 2017, following the final draw, six kick - off times were adjusted by FIFA . </P> <P> Russia was placed in position A1 in the group stage and played in the opening match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 14 June against Saudi Arabia, the two lowest - ranked teams of the tournament at the time of the final draw . The Luzhniki Stadium also hosted the second semi-final on 11 July and the final on 15 July . The Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg hosted the first semi-final on 10 July and the third place play - off on 14 July . </P> <P> The opening ceremony took place on Thursday, 14 June 2018, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, preceding the opening match of the tournament between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia . </P> <P> At the start of the ceremony, Russian president Vladimir Putin gave a speech, welcoming the countries of the world to Russia and calling football a uniting force . Brazilian World Cup - winning striker Ronaldo entered the stadium with a child in a Russia shirt . Pop singer Robbie Williams then sang two of his songs solo before he and Russian soprano Aida Garifullina performed a duet . Dancers dressed in the flags of the 32 competing teams appeared carrying a sign with the name of each nation . At the end of the ceremony Ronaldo reappeared with the official match ball which had returned from the International Space Station in early June . </P>

When did this year's world cup start