Security is tight around Moscow as the city prepares to kick off the World Cup, and on Thursday (June 14) army trucks could be seen arriving in the city to join the forces already there.

Russia has deployed thousands of police to the 11 host cities to deal with an influx of potentially rowdy soccer fans and other security threats.

Security fences were stacked around tourist spots like Red Square and extra police were patrolling the city centre and metro stations.

With the World Cup countdown clock showing 00:00, fans started to gather Thursday ahead of the opening match, which sees the Russian hosts take on Saudi Arabia.

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