<P> Russia was placed in position A1 in the group stage and played in the opening match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 14 June against Saudi Arabia , the two lowest - ranked teams of the tournament at the time of the final draw . The Luzhniki Stadium also hosted the second semi-final on 11 July and the final on 15 July . The Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg hosted the first semi-final on 10 July and the third place play - off on 14 July . </P>
<P> Russia was placed in position A1 in the group stage and played in the opening match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 14 June against Saudi Arabia , the two lowest - ranked teams of the tournament at the time of the final draw . The Luzhniki Stadium also hosted the second semi-final on 11 July and the final on 15 July . The Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg hosted the first semi-final on 10 July and the third place play - off on 14 July . </P>
who is playing the first day of the world cup
who is playing the first day of the world cup
Russia Saudi Arabia
Russia Saudi Arabia