All you need to know about the upcoming 21st FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup 2018, the world’s most watched event is back this year and all eyes are on the host nation Russia as it is their first time hosting the grandest event of ‘em all. Before kicking the official football, Adidas Telstar on June 14, there are plenty of things to keep in mind ahead of tournament.

Russia – Host Nation

Of the four bids to represent the 2018 World Cup, Russia comfortably won the bidding when they saw off the heavyweights like England, as well as joint bidders Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as Spain and Portugal. Sepp Blatter, the FIFA President at that time also announced that Qatar will host the World Cup in 2022.

Stadiums at Russia

Twelve venues have been selected for the World Cup and Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow with the capacity of 81,000 is the one which will be hosting the opening match between Russia vs Saudi Arabia and also the World Cup Final on 15^th July.

St. Petersburg Stadium also hosts the most games during the tournament along with the previously mentioned Luzhniki Stadium. Other stadiums like Spartak Stadium, Kazan, Sochi, Rostov also some of the important stadiums to host the matches.

Teams at the World Cup

Apart from the two European heavyweights Italy and the Netherlands, all other big guns have made it to the World Cup. Sadly, some of the game’s finest players namely, Arjen Robben, Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Robin Van Persie announced their retirements soon afterwards. Interestingly, United States team also failed to qualify but nah! It has nothing to do with the Trump’s current stance with the host nation. South American giants, Brazil Argentina and Uruguay (who have 10 World Cups between them) will be joined by Colombia and Peru. Asia and Africa have five nations and Europe comes with 14 nations including the hosts Russia. Rest three includes Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.

When does it all begin?

Group Stages begin on June 14 with Russia taking on Saudi Arabia and the tournament ends on July 15. All matches are set to kick-off either at 5.30 PM, 8.30 PM or 11.30 PM IST, which is pretty much convenient for football fans in India.

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