Billions of eyes will be on Russia over the next four and a half weeks as the World Cup begins tonight in Moscow. Soccer fans from all over the world are flocking to Russia for the 2018 World Cup. Let's take a closer look.  

Tourism is heating up along with the world cup. Thousands of Chinese football fans are in Russia to take in the World Cup thanks to visa rules that permit entry with just a game ticket.

FU RONG FOOTBALL FAN "I am so excited to get the footfall fan ID card for the upcoming world cup."

Meanwhile, football fans from as far away as Egypt and Peru were singing and dancing on Mansheya Square, mingling with tourists and locals and taking souvenir photos.

MOHAMED SAEED EGYPTIAN SOCCER FAN "I am happy to be here. The feeling is indescribable. I am happy for the team and happy that Egypt reached the World Cup after 28 years. It is a moment that I have been waiting for so long. I was hoping to see the team participating in the World Cup while I'm still alive and thank God the dream came true."

WALTER REYES PERUVIAN SOCCER FAN "We're very happy that Peru is in the World Cup after 36 years, we are all feeling really happy, and we are also happy to be here in Moscow."

Data shows that flights from Shanghai and Beijing to Moscow during the World Cup are almost sold out. In addition, the number of hotel bookings has increased by more than five times over the same period last year. The average price of a hotel room now is more than 150 US dollars per day. Moscow hotel prices have risen more than 70 percent while those located near the game venues have increased by more than 200 percent.