Stat of the day...published at 15:57 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Russia v Saudi Arabia (16:00 BST)
Sergei Ignashevich (38 years, 335 days) is the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup match since Roger Milla in 1994.
Summary
Hosts Russia take on Saudi Arabia in Group A
Also in Group A: Egypt v Uruguay - Friday, 13:00 BST
Other Friday matches: Group B - Morocco v Iran (16:00 BST, BBC TV & 5 live), Portugal v Spain (19:00 BST, 5 live)
Stat of the day...published at 15:57 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Football brings us together - Putinpublished at 15:56 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
"We are sincerely happy to host the World Cup in our country," says Russian president Vladimir Putin. "Football is truly loved here. Russia is an open, hospitable and friendly country. Whatever traditions we hold, football brings us together in one single team and we are united by our affection for this spectacular and vibrant game.
"I wish all the teams success and an unforgettable experience to fans. Welcome to Russia."
I'm not going to lie - I didn't catch every word he said, but then my Russian is a bit sketchy.
Postpublished at 15:56 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
This is Saudi Arabia’s fifth World Cup - their first since 2006. They have finished bottom of their group in their last three appearances.
They have won none of their last 10 games at the World Cup, losing eight of them.
This is Juan Antonio Pizzi’s first World Cup as manager – the Saudi Arabia boss featured in one game with Spain as a player in the 1998 tournament.
Postpublished at 15:55 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Fifa president Gianni Infantino is at the podium chatting away now.
Postpublished at 15:54 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Russia are winless in their last five games at the World Cup (D2 L3).
Their only two wins at the World Cup since the breakup of the USSR were against African teams (6-1 v Cameroon in 1994, 2-0 v Tunisia in 2002).
Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov made one appearance as a player at the World Cup - in that 6-1 win, when Oleg Salenko scored five goals - still a World Cup record for most goals in a game.
Postpublished at 15:53 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live, Alan Shearer said: "We're aware of the criticism towards the Russian team, but if the hosts get an early goal and get off to a good start, it will be amazing to see everyone in the country follow them.
"Only then, might the attitudes toward this team and the Russian manager change."
Postpublished at 15:51 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Big cheers for something VP said.
Postpublished at 15:51 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Russian president Vladimir Putin is giving a speech right now. I'm not going to made any snide comments about this.
Postpublished at 15:50 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
The Luzhniki Stadium is absolutely rammers today.
Postpublished at 15:49 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Russia v Saudi Arabia (16:00 BST)
Here come the teams.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormationspublished at 15:47 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Russia v Saudi Arabia (16:00 BST)
Here are the line-ups again. Russia give four players a competitive debut - they didn't have to qualify for the World Cup, remember.
Saudi Arabia's two centre-backs with the same surname aren't related.
Image source, .
Image source, .Postpublished at 15:45 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
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I think it's over now.
Postpublished at 15:44 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
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Robbie Williams AND Russia v Saudi Arabia, Fifa you're really spoiling us.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 15:42 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Rock DJ is the latest banger Robbie is belting out. The crowd are loving it.
Postpublished at 15:41 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Sorry, it was a firebird, not a dragon carrying the opera singer earlier. Important clarification.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 15:41 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
#bbcworldcup or text 81111
Stephen: Robbie Williams and the start of the World Cup! This is the greatest day!!
Adam: Nice to see Robbie Williams getting into the World Cup spirit by repping the vintage Ronaldo haircut
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 15:40 British Summer Time 14 June 2018
Here comes Ronaldo and the kid again. And the wolf mascot too. All the lads.