Viewfinder: The 2018 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Moscow

Author:: Pacific Standard Staff
Publish date:: Jun 15, 2018

A dancer looks on during the opening ceremony prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium on June 14th, 2018, in Moscow, Russia. — A dancer looks on during the opening ceremony prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium on June 14th, 2018, in Moscow, Russia.
(Photo: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Viewfinder is Pacific Standard's daily photo feature, showcasing one image from the news.

Elephants participate in a football game to kick off the World Cup fever as part of an anti-gambling campaign at the ancient Thai city of Ayutthaya on June 13th, 2018. Painted with flags of countries competing in the World Cup, the nine elephants played a game against students from a local school ahead of the start of the 2018 Football World Cup in Russia.

Elephants participate in a football game to kick off the World Cup fever as part of an anti-gambling campaign at the ancient Thai city of Ayutthaya on June 13th, 2018.

Presnel Kimpembe and Thomas Lemar of France celebrate in the rain after victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15th, 2018, in Moscow, Russia.

Presnel Kimpembe and Thomas Lemar of France celebrate in the rain after victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Croatia's players celebrate after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 11th, 2018.

Croatian football players celebrate after winning the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final against England.

Women are reflected in a puddle as they walk across the Red Square in Moscow on April 26th, 2018.

Women are reflected in a puddle as they walk across the Red Square in Moscow on April 26th, 2018.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi (L) shoots to score during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Argentina at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 26th, 2018. Argentina ultimately beat Nigeria 2–1, advancing to the round of 16.

Argentina beat Nigeria 2–1 in their final qualifying game at the 2018 World Cup.

A picture taken on May 15th, 2018, shows the Russian supersonic plane Tu-144 on display in the city of Kazan. A similar plane, the Tupolev Tu-144, was the first of only two supersonic transport aircraft to ever enter commercial service, beating the Concorde by two months. The prototype first flew 50 years ago today, on December 31st, 1968, near Moscow.

A picture taken on May 15th, 2018, shows the Russian supersonic plane Tu-144 on display in the city of Kazan.