The wait is nearly at an end for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Final Draw, which gets underway at 18.00 local time in the State Kremlin Palace on 1 December. A whole host of well-known stars and footballers will be descending on the Russian capital for the occasion, which will be shown worldwide in more than 200 territories.

Russian actor and presenter Ivan Urgant has been chosen to host the show. One of the acts planned for is popular singer Alsou, who will have a surprise in store for the occasion: a song written specially for the Final Draw.

Joining Alsou on the bill at the State Kremlin Palace, world-famous opera singer Ildar Abdrazakov – soloist at the Marinsky Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera – and beloved star of Russian stage and screen Larisa Dolina and modern Russian musician Burito will together perform in a unique composition blending three musical styles on the theme of football.

In directing the show, Felix Mikhailov has tried to capture the scale of emotion in Russia, the building anticipation ahead of the tournament and the Host Nation’s beauty.

“Of course, we will expand on the ideas first used for the Preliminary Draw in this ceremony as well,” the director commented, “that of a dream: the dream to be strong and win. A child’s dream of walking the path from teenager to a legend of world football shall become a reality. For example, in one scene our youngster will ‘meet’ some of the greatest footballers in history, like Lev Yashin, Pele and Diego Maradona. The football stars on the stage and in the audience, along with renowned performers of stage, jazz and opera also present, will reinforce the slogan of the ceremony: ‘Where the stars align’.”

Without giving away too many secrets, it is also possible to reveal that the Igor Moiseyev State Academic Ensemble of Popular Dance have been invited to perform. What is certain is that the talent and art on show by the performers, dancers and musicians throughout the ceremony will amaze those looking on.

Former England striker and 1986 adidas Golden Boot winner Gary Lineker will be conducting the draw itself, accompanied by Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya. The pair will be assisted by a team of former World Cup winners and football legends from the past.