The match schedule was announced on 20 October 2011 with the kick-off times being confirmed on 27 September 2012 ; after the final draw , the kick-off times of seven matches were adjusted by FIFA . The competition was organised so that teams that played each other in the group stage could not meet again during the knockout phase until the final ( or the 3rd place match ) . The group stage began on 12 June , with the host nation competing in the opening game as has been the format since the 2006 tournament . The opening game was preceded by an opening ceremony that began at 15:15 local time
opening ceremony
2014 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony
2014 FIFA World Cup