Vladimir Putin officially opens 2018 World Cup in Russia ahead of host nation’s first game

Minutes before Saudi Arabia kick off the tournament against host nation Russia, Putin says: ‘I congratulate all of you at the start of the most important championship in the world’

Reading Time:1 minute

Russian president Vladimir Putin delivers his speech prior to the match between Russia and Saudi Arabia which opened the 2018 World Cup. Photo: AP

Published: 12:54am, 15 Jun 2018Updated: 12:54am, 15 Jun 2018

Russian president Vladimir Putin officially opened the World Cup on Thursday at a ceremony in Moscow’s 80,000-seat Luzhniki Stadium.

Minutes before Saudi Arabia kicked off the tournament against host nation Russia, Putin said: “I congratulate all of you at the start of the most important championship in the world.”

“Love for football unites the entire world in one team, regardless of people’s language or ideology,” Putin said to thunderous cheers from the capacity crowd.

He said Russia had approached preparations for the most-watched event in the world “responsibly, doing everything to make sure fans can enjoy this celebration.”

“This grand sporting event is taking place in Russia for the first time, and we are truly happy,” he said.

“In our country, football is not just a popular sport, not just the most beautiful sport – people here truly love it,” the Russian leader said.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Fifa president Gianni Infantino and Russian president Vladimir Putin watch the ceremony prior to the opening match of the Russia 2018 World Cup. Photo: AFP

The opening ceremony included a mini-concert by British pop star Robbie Williams, who performed “Let Me Entertain You”.