Russia v Saudi Arabia: TV coverage, kick-off time, venue and teams

All you need to know about the World Cup opener

The 21^st World Cup tournament kicks off on Thursday when Russia face Saudi Arabia in Moscow.

Russia are the competition hosts and will be hoping to get their show on the road with a win in their fourth World Cup tournament. Saudi Arabia are competing in their fifth showpiece and their first since 2006.

When is it?

The curtain-raiser gets underway at 4pm UK Time on Thursday 14^th June.

Where is it?

The Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The stadium was initially opened in 1955 but has since undergone extensive renovation to bring it up to international standards.

During the World Cup it will have a capacity of 80,000 and will host seven matches throughout the tournament. No club side currently plays at the arena following its £307m refurbishment from 2013-2017.

Manchester United and Chelsea contested the 2008 Champions League Final at the ground.

Where can I watch it?

The opening match of the World Cup will be broadcast live on ITV. Coverage will start at 2:30pm and include the opening ceremony, featuring Robbie Williams and Russian opera singer Aida Garifullina.

ITV’s broadcast will be presented by Mark Pougatch and feature punditry from Lee Dixon, Ian Wright and Roy Keane.

BBC will have extended highlights of the match at 12:30am on Friday 13^th June with their World Cup replay.

BBC 5 Live will also have live commentary of the match at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Match odds

Russia are considered the odds-on favourites to win the opening match at 4/9. Saudi Arabia are rated a 17/2 chance, with the draw available at 3/1.

Kuban Krasnodar striker Fyodor Smolov is the most likely scorer according to the odds. The 28-year-old is 3/4 to Score Anytime.

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing