World Cup 2014 dates: When does the tournament begin?
The key dates for this summer's tournament
![A view of the World Cup trophy](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2013/12/05/16/world-cup-trophy-ball.jpg)
This summer's World Cup in Brazil starts on Thursday June 12.
The opening game of the tournament will see the hosts take on Croatia, with the game kicking off at 9pm BST.
The game at the Arena de Sao Paulo will be preceded by the opening ceremony.
In total there will be 64 games in Brazil ending with the final at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday 13 July.
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