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2018 FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup began in 1930 with thirteen teams from around the world in host country Uruguay. Today, there is a two-year qualifying process involving over 200 international teams and countries vie to be host 8 years in advance.

Last year, it was the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This year, the 21st FIFA World Cup will be held, for the first time ever, in Russia from June 14-July 15, 2018. Twelve venues, including the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow and the Saint Petersburg Stadium at Saint Petersburg, will be used amongst 32 national squads. Russia, the host squad, will kick off the tournament on Day 1 (June 14, 2018) at the Luzhniki Stadium against Saudi Arabia.

Russia is a culturally diverse country with a population of over 146 million people representing more than 140 different nationalities and ethnicities. Over 100 different languages are spoken in Russia. Russians are historically passionately dedicated to their sports such as gymnastics, hockey, ice skating. Football is the most popular in modern Russia. It is played year round by young and old alike, recreationally and their national and club teams are on the rise.

The eleven host cities have a lot to offer foreign citizens who are attending the FIFA World Cup. Two notables are Saint Petersburg and Moscow.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is home to 5.2 million people and tourism is key to its economy. Its center is a UNESCO Heritage Site and welcomes almost 5 million visitors annually. Saint Petersburg is home to some of Russia’s most historical, and exquisite architecture. The Saint Petersburg FIFA Fan Fest will be held in the heart of the city center at Konyushennaya Square. If you are not in the football stadium, join 15,000 other football fans from around the world at the FIFA Fan Fest. The atmosphere is a lively party and gives attendees the opportunity to take in the culture of this iconic location. Ticket holders will enjoy matches including the 3rd place overall at the 67,000-seat Saint Petersburg Stadium. Scheduled games are: Morocco vs. Iran on June 15, Russia vs. Egypt on June 19, Brazil vs. Costa Rica on June 22, and Nigeria vs. Argentina on June 26.

Moscow

Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation and was founded in the 12th century. Not only is the city home to some of Russia’s infamous landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theater and the Kremlin, it is also a modern day metropolis with over 12 million residents from over 130 different nationalities. The opening match, semi-finals, and final match will be played in the 80,000-seat Luzhniki Stadium. Other scheduled matches are: Russia vs. Saudi Arabia June 14, Germany vs. Mexico June 17, Portugal vs. Morocco June 20, and Denmark vs. France June 26. The smaller Spartak Stadium will host 4 matches including Argentina vs. Iceland on June 16 and Serbia vs. Brazil on June 27, as well as a Round of 16 match, to be determined. Fan Fest will be held at Vorobyovy Gory next to the main building at Lomonosov Moscow State University. Fans will enjoy the view down to the Luzhniki Stadium and the city lights of Moscow.

To attend the matches, fans must obtain a FAN ID. After you purchase your FIFA World Cup tickets and receive your ticket purchase confirmation email, all attendees must visit www.fan-id.ru at the request of the Russian authorities. The FAN ID provides ten days of visa-free entry into Russia for foreign citizens attending the World Cup and must also be presented upon exiting the country.

Are you ready to cheer on your favorite team in the world’s largest country? Arrive to your destination in style and luxurious comfort. Contact us today at 1.844.FLY.STA1 (1.844.359.7821) to schedule your flights.