Here we go for the 2018 FIFA World Cup
The World Cup group stage will see 48 games crammed into two weeks.
The Opening Game will see host Russia take on Saudi Arabia on Thursday afternoon.
It sets the tone for a month-long festival of football, even if in this case it brings together the two lowest-ranked teams in the competition.
Hosts Russia will walk out onto the pitch at the 80,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium ranked a lowly 70th in the world, three spots below Group A rivals Saudi Arabia, and without a victory in eight months.
However, Russia has spent more than $13 billion on preparations for the big event, and President Vladimir Putin will be eager for the hosts to get off to the best possible start.
In contrast, a defeat against minnows Saudi Arabia would heighten the prospect of Russia becoming just the second host nation to be eliminated in the group stage, after South Africa eight years ago.
The opening ceremony for the World Cup will begin at 16:30 South African time - just half an hour before the opening fixture between Russia and Suadi Arabia.
Robbie Williams will be opening the ceremony.