Kazan (Russia): World Cup fever is finally taking hold in Russia, where wild enthusiasm in provincial centres such as the chilly Kazan is filtering through to Moscow ahead of Thursday’s opening match in the capital.
While curious locals have clamoured to see the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar, it has proved a slow build-up to the June 14-July 15 showpiece, which is being played in Russia for the first time.
The tournament opener Thursday featuring Russia and Saudi Arabia at the imposing 80,000-capacity Luzhniki stadium has so far failed to capture the imagination of Muscovites, although they have warmly welcomed foreign fans.
Groups of South American supporters with drums and whistles took to the streets around Red Square this week, posing for pictures with shoppers. In response, a small knot of local fans gathered, waving flags and good-naturedly chanting ‘Russia, Russia’.
But it has been outside the capital where enthusiasm for the beautiful game has really taken hold. Australia were pleasantly surprised Monday when a crowd of 3,200 turned up to see Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk put the Socceroos through their paces here.
“It was good to see all the fans from Kazan come out and support us, we didn’t really expect it,” said Australia defender Josh Risdon, who postponed his honeymoon following his selection to the Socceroos’ squad. “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Go, Go, Go,” screamed sections of the crowd, many waving yellow and green Australia flags handed out by organisers.
In the Black Sea resort city of Sochi about 5,000 people turned out to watch the Brazilian squad train, chanting the name of Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar.
Croatia had barely touched down in Russia before they launched a charm offensive that won over supporters at Roshchino outside Saint Petersburg. Hours after arriving they staged a training session where free footballs, scarves and flags were launched into the stands. Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric also exchanged passes with delighted youngsters.
The build-up has not been without controversy, with Egypt’s Mohamed Salah attracting critical headlines in Britain after posing for a photograph with Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov.
2026 WC in US, Mexico, Canada
Moscow: The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the President of the global football association announced here Wednesday. The so-called United Bid representing North America received the backing of 134 votes from affiliate associations at the FIFA Congress, while rival candidate Morocco received less than half of that with 65, reports EFE news agency. “The member associations of Canada, Mexico and the USA have been selected by the Congress to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino told the 68th Congress that was taking place in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 edition of the competition in Russia. Carlos Cordiero, President of US Soccer, said it was an honour to be able to host the tournament.
