World renowned director to put on show before World cup

Stueckl, who also runs the Munich Volkstheater, will use 2,000 performers for the entertainment ahead of the first game on June 9, featuring Germany against as yet unknown opponents at a new 66,000 capacity stadium in Munich.

"I was startled at first because I know nothing about football," Stueckl said.

The official opening ceremony for the World Cup will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin a day before the finals begin. The tournament, featuring 32 teams, runs until July 9.