Reuters
Robbie Williams.
The waiting is over - the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia has finally begun.
On Thursday, English pop singer Robbie Williams and Russian opera singer Aida Garifullina joined forces to deliver a memorable three-song concert ahead of the tournament's opening match between host country Russia and Group A opponents Saudi Arabia.
The opening ceremony had everything - from gymnastics and pyrotechnics to Williams giving the FOX TV camera the middle finger.
Russian president Vladimir Putin even delivered a speech.
Check out all the best, most mesmerising, and controversial photographs from the opening ceremony below.