Players

In March 2012, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ appointed its first ambassador for the tournament: Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. One year on, he spoke to FIFA.com about his new role and Russia's hosting of the FIFA World Cup.

Two years ago, on 2 December 2010, the FIFA Executive Committee made a historic decision, awarding Russia the right to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018.