21st FIFA World Cup at a glance

Soccer's biggest spectacle, the quadrennial men's World Cup, kicks off Thursday in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin on Saturday promised "a real celebration — filled with sporting passion and strong emotions." A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 venues located in 11 cities. In the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 for the championship. Iceland and Panama will both be making their first World Cup appearances. The United States is not part of the 32-team field, failing to qualify for the first time since 1986. Fox Sports will televise the tournament for the first time.

Thursday: Tournament opener, Russia vs. Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow (10 a.m., Ch. 9)

June 28: Final day of group play

June 30-July 3: 16-team knockout stage

July 6-7: Quarterfinals

July 10-11: Semifinals

July 14: Third-place match

(top two advance)

A: Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

B: Iran, Morocco, Portugal, Spain

C: Australia, Denmark, France, Peru

D: Argentina, Croatia, Iceland, Nigeria

F: Germany, Mexico, South Korea, Sweden

G: Belgium, England, Panama, Tunisia

H: Colombia, Japan, Poland, Senegal

1. Germany, 2. Brazil, 3. Belgium, 4. Portugal, 5. Argentina