Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed football fans and participants of the FIFA World Cup and noted that it was a great honor for Russia to host such a great football event.
"Welcome to all who have already arrived in Russia, and to those who are planning to take part in this landmark international event — the FIFA World Cup. It is with immense joy and a great honor that we receive representatives of the great football family. We want this event to be a celebration, filled with passion and emotions," Putin said in a video address.
Putin expressed hope that the guests would receive unforgettable experience not only from watching matches, but also from familiarizing with the country.
"We have done our best to ensure that all of our guests – the athletes, the staff and, of course, the fans – feel at home in Russia. We have opened both our country and our hearts to the world. Welcome to the FIFA World Cup! Welcome to Russia!," he added.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup will return to Luzhniki Stadium on July 15 for the final match, where the new world champions will be crowned. Aside from Moscow, the other Russia 2018 host cities include St. Petersburg, Sochi, Saransk, Kaliningrad, Kazan, Rostov, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Ekaterinburg and Volgograd.
