On Saturday, Sergey Lazarev (Russia 2016) and Alsou (Russia 2000 and host 2009) took part in the opening ceremony for the 2017 Confederations Cup.

As the host nation of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Russia also play host to the 2017 Confederations Cup. This is a smaller-scale international football tournament designed to test the infrastructure and ensure suitability of the nation as a World Cup host.

The tournament began on Saturday, and former Eurovision acts played a role in the opening ceremony. Sergey Lazarev duetted with popular Russian singer Nyusha, who gave the Russian points for Eurovision 2016, on the anthemic performance.

Alsou also performed, wearing traditional Russian costume.