The FIFA World Cup party in Brazil kicked off with singer Jennifer Lopez and rapper Pitbull performing in the opening ceremony in front of thousands of jubilant fans present at the Arena de Sao Paulo here Thursday.

The opening ceremony started with children, dressed in the colours of the 32 nations, jumping on trampolines and performers dressed as trees walking around a huge globe in the centre of the pitch, according to news.sky.com.

All the dancing and performing was centred around a huge glove that projected images and colours.

The globe displayed all of the flags of the countries taking part in the 2014 World Cup and resembled the Brazuca -- the official ball of the competition.

Brazilian pop star Claudia Leitte was the first to emerge from within the globe and was followed by American singer J-Lo and popular rapper Pitbull, who sang the World Cup official song -- We Are One (Ola Ola).

Hosts Brazil will kick off the proceedings taking on Group A rivals Croatia in the opening match here.