Watch the FIFA World Cup LIVE on ITV: Russia vs Saudi Arabia

Thursday 14 June at 11:25am

The FIFA World Cup kicks off on ITV today with the opening ceremony from 2:30pm followed by the hosts Russia taking on Saudi Arabia in the first Group A fixture.

Russia players during a training session inside the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow Credit: PA

Since the split of the USSR, Russia have never reached the knockout stages of the World Cup in three appearances, finishing third in 1994, 2002 and 2014.

Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov made one appearance for Russia as a player in the World Cup Credit: PA

Russia haven't won a game in their last six, losing four and drawing two. Saudi Arabia have fared better in their last six, picking up wins against Greece and Algeria.

Saudi Arabia train ahead of playing Russia in the opening World Cup match on ITV Credit: PA

Saudi Arabia are making only their fifth World Cup appearance, their first since 2006 where they finished bottom of the group stage.

Juan Antonio Pizzi is Saudi Arabia's third manager since qualifying Credit: PA

Saudi Arabia's boss Juan Antonio Pizzi has never managed at a World Cup but has previously lead Chile to victory in the 2016 Copa America and runners-up in the 2017 Confederations Cup.

The opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia will take place in the Luzhniki Stadium Credit: PA

Today's coverage of the opening ceremony will be broadcast on ITV from 2:30pm with Russia's clash with Saudi Arabia following straight after.

Mark Pougatch will be joined in the studio by Lee Dixon, Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Slaven Bilić, with Ryan Giggs and Eniola Aluko as pitchside guests.

Keep up to date with ITV's World Cup coverage across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.