The opening ceremony will take place at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow at 05:30 p.m. local time (14:30 GMT) on Thursday. The twelve-year-old girl will lead the teams onto the pitch and help the referee with the coin toss.

"The Moscow schoolgirl with needs [Down syndrome] will open the World Cup. Before the start of the game, she will accompany the captains onto the field of play and will help the referee with the coin toss," Smirnov said.

According to the Special Olympics’ press service. Makarova is a keen sports fan and looks to get involved in a number of activities.

"Herself [Makarova] and other children who are living with Down syndrome were part of a football team. They became the main characters in a photo exhibition along with the players from the Russian national team and other footballing legends," the press service noted. 

The exhibition is currently taking place at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and will finish on July 31. 

Special Olympics Russia is a Russian charity that helps people living with learning difficulties. Its main task is to promote the adaptation and rehabilitation of people living with mental disabilities to enjoy a productive life in society through sport.