For the 2018 World Cup, Russia proposed the following host cities: Kaliningrad, Kazan, Krasnodar, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Saint Petersburg, Samara, Saransk, Sochi, Volgograd, Yaroslavl, and Yekaterinburg. All the cities are in or just outside European Russia to reduce travel time for the teams in the huge country. The bid evaluation report stated: "The Russian bid proposes 13 host cities and 16 stadiums, thus exceeding FIFA's minimum requirement. Three of the 16 stadiums would be renovated, and 13 would be newly constructed."
In October 2011 Russia decreased the number of stadiums from 16 to 14. Construction of the proposed Podolsk stadium in the Moscow region was cancelled by the regional government, and also in the capital, Spartak Stadium was competing with Dynamo Stadium over which would be constructed first.
The final choice of host cities was announced on 29 September 2012. The number of cities was further reduced to 11 and number of stadiums to 12 as Krasnodar and Yaroslavl were dropped from the final list.
Sepp Blatter stated in July 2014 that due to concerns over the completion of venues in Russia, the number of venues for the tournament may be reduced from 12 to 10. He also said, "We are not going to be in a situation, as is the case of one, two or even three stadiums in South Africa, where it is a problem of what you do with these stadiums".
In October 2014, on their first official visit to Russia, FIFA's inspection committee and its head Chris Unger visited St Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan and both Moscow venues. They were satisfied with the progress.
On 8 October 2015, FIFA and the Local Organising Committee agreed on the official names of the stadiums used during the tournament.
All the USA information related to the FIFA Worldcup 2018. Worldcup News updated daily on relevant aspects of Worldcup Live, Russia Official Song 2018, Match Results, USA Schedule and Tickets for the Worldcup Soccer 2018. Do not miss our featured pages, special sections and complete the survey of visitors.
1000 hotel rooms to be created in Rostov-on-Don by World Cup 2018
Within the framework of preparations for the World Cup 2018, hotels network is to be expanded in the city of Rostov-on-Don, head of the Economy Department, Svetlana Kambulova, said at a session of the city legislative assembly.
“The main direction of the tourist sector development is formation of a comfortable environment for the guests. In the run-up to the World Cup 2018, the development of infrastructure on the city’s territory is one of the most important tasks”, - she added.
According to Svetlana Kambulova, at present, 118 hotels with 3350 rooms are in the register.
Now seven hotel complexes are under construction and Radisson hotel is being renovated. These measures would allow to get 1,000 additional rooms, she said.
“The main direction of the tourist sector development is formation of a comfortable environment for the guests. In the run-up to the World Cup 2018, the development of infrastructure on the city’s territory is one of the most important tasks”, - she added.
According to Svetlana Kambulova, at present, 118 hotels with 3350 rooms are in the register.
Now seven hotel complexes are under construction and Radisson hotel is being renovated. These measures would allow to get 1,000 additional rooms, she said.
ESPN provides FOX Sports a blueprint for World Cup 2018
Given the events on the ground in France involving hooliganism and the need for on-site reporters with news gathering capability, ESPN is providing a strong example to FOX Sports as to the types of resources they must deploy on the ground to properly cover what may prove to be a controversial 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Case in point, Steve Bower’s reporting on Sunday from a violence-plagued Marseille gave the best account I’ve seen anywhere what the aftermath of the England-Russia match was like both in the stadium and after the match. Bower’s first hand account of the violence and comparisons with what he has observed at past international tournaments gave a perspective generally not offered on American television about these type of events.
Studio:
ESPN’s studio analysis thus far in this Euro 2016, with the exception of Abby Wambach who has a steep learning curve, has been even stronger than during the 2014 World Cup. Michael Ballack is much improved without the specter of constant fighting with Alexi Lalas (now at FOX). Plus the rotation of studio hosts has helped to liven things up. Steve McManaman has improved. And Taylor Twellman, whose skeptics can seemingly only point to his playing career as a reason he shouldn’t be commentating on this event, is making a strong case that he is the strongest American analyst of the world game in the modern era. Twellman and Ballack have developed a chemistry almost immediately that has enhanced ESPN’s coverage.
Case in point, Steve Bower’s reporting on Sunday from a violence-plagued Marseille gave the best account I’ve seen anywhere what the aftermath of the England-Russia match was like both in the stadium and after the match. Bower’s first hand account of the violence and comparisons with what he has observed at past international tournaments gave a perspective generally not offered on American television about these type of events.
Studio:
ESPN’s studio analysis thus far in this Euro 2016, with the exception of Abby Wambach who has a steep learning curve, has been even stronger than during the 2014 World Cup. Michael Ballack is much improved without the specter of constant fighting with Alexi Lalas (now at FOX). Plus the rotation of studio hosts has helped to liven things up. Steve McManaman has improved. And Taylor Twellman, whose skeptics can seemingly only point to his playing career as a reason he shouldn’t be commentating on this event, is making a strong case that he is the strongest American analyst of the world game in the modern era. Twellman and Ballack have developed a chemistry almost immediately that has enhanced ESPN’s coverage.
2018 World Cup ticket
The USA Team would be seeking a sixth appearance at the world football showpiece billed for Russia when the African qualifying series begin later this year.
Having missed out of the last two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations described as ‘painful’, the country’s football federation has revealed that anything aside from the World Cup ticket would be unacceptable.
“We cannot afford any distractions, not from anywhere,” Pinnick told media.
“We have an objective of qualifying for Russia 2018 and that is not what we can negotiate. That is one of the reasons I am in the office today.
“The Board has to look at various areas of the preparation as we countenance the draw for the group phase of the series that is coming up on 24th June.”
He also drew positives from the three-time African champions’ victory over Mali and Luxembourg in last month’s international friendlies.
Nigeria are likely to face Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia or Cameroon in a tough World Cup qualifying group after they were zoned in Pot 3 with Congo Brazzaville, Morocco, Mali and South Africa.
They will know their foes on June 24, 2016 as the draw for the World Cup qualifiers will be staged in Cairo, Egypt.
Having missed out of the last two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations described as ‘painful’, the country’s football federation has revealed that anything aside from the World Cup ticket would be unacceptable.
“We cannot afford any distractions, not from anywhere,” Pinnick told media.
“We have an objective of qualifying for Russia 2018 and that is not what we can negotiate. That is one of the reasons I am in the office today.
“The Board has to look at various areas of the preparation as we countenance the draw for the group phase of the series that is coming up on 24th June.”
He also drew positives from the three-time African champions’ victory over Mali and Luxembourg in last month’s international friendlies.
Nigeria are likely to face Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia or Cameroon in a tough World Cup qualifying group after they were zoned in Pot 3 with Congo Brazzaville, Morocco, Mali and South Africa.
They will know their foes on June 24, 2016 as the draw for the World Cup qualifiers will be staged in Cairo, Egypt.
Russian preparations for 2018 World Cup
Stadium construction for the 2018 World Cup is on schedule, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday, contradicting recent reports of delays and cost increases.
Russia has been working to avoid a repeat of the problems that complicated preparations for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Of the 12 stadiums for the tournament in Russia, nine have significant construction work remaining.
"Preparation for the World Cup is in full swing," Putin said. "All of the developers promise -- and are confident -- that they will comply with the commitments to finish facilities on time."
Earlier Wednesday, St. Petersburg lawmakers increased the budget for the World Cup stadium in that city by 4.3 billion rubles ($64 million), a 12 percent increase.
The stadium was originally supposed to open in 2008, but saw repeated delays, design changes and cost increases. World Cup organizing committee head Alexei Sorokin refused to comment on the latest cost hike. "For FIFA, the main thing is the readiness of the stadium," he told reporters on Wednesday. "It will be ready at the end of the year."
Last month, Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said work on the stadium in Samara had stopped because of a dispute with a construction firm. The Samara region's sports minister denied any stoppage in an interview last week with The Associated Press.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Russia was on track for the tournament despite its economic difficulties. The Russian economy shrank 3.7 percent last year under pressure from sanctions and low oil prices and is projected by the IMF to contract 1.5 percent this year.
"We've received all the guarantees that the work will be delivered as promised," Infantino said, adding that the World Cup will "boost the economy."
Putin and Infantino were speaking at a ceremony at an open-air theater in Moscow to mark the start of recruitment of the 15,000 volunteers who will work at the World Cup and the 5,000 for next year's Confederations Cup.
Also, Infantino denied that repeated doping scandals had tarnished the host nation's reputation.
"It does not affect the country's reputation and certainly not the quality of preparations for the World Cup," Infantino said. "From what I can see, everything is done with respect by Russia to move ahead in the right way.
"As far as FIFA is concerned, we have our doping programs, they are very strict and very firm and they apply whatever."
Also on Wednesday, Infantino, Mutko and various officials and retired star players played a short exhibition game against a team of Russian celebrities, drawing 0-0. The new FIFA president was active in attack but spurned two good chances to score.
Russia has been working to avoid a repeat of the problems that complicated preparations for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Of the 12 stadiums for the tournament in Russia, nine have significant construction work remaining.
"Preparation for the World Cup is in full swing," Putin said. "All of the developers promise -- and are confident -- that they will comply with the commitments to finish facilities on time."
Earlier Wednesday, St. Petersburg lawmakers increased the budget for the World Cup stadium in that city by 4.3 billion rubles ($64 million), a 12 percent increase.
The stadium was originally supposed to open in 2008, but saw repeated delays, design changes and cost increases. World Cup organizing committee head Alexei Sorokin refused to comment on the latest cost hike. "For FIFA, the main thing is the readiness of the stadium," he told reporters on Wednesday. "It will be ready at the end of the year."
Last month, Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said work on the stadium in Samara had stopped because of a dispute with a construction firm. The Samara region's sports minister denied any stoppage in an interview last week with The Associated Press.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Russia was on track for the tournament despite its economic difficulties. The Russian economy shrank 3.7 percent last year under pressure from sanctions and low oil prices and is projected by the IMF to contract 1.5 percent this year.
"We've received all the guarantees that the work will be delivered as promised," Infantino said, adding that the World Cup will "boost the economy."
Putin and Infantino were speaking at a ceremony at an open-air theater in Moscow to mark the start of recruitment of the 15,000 volunteers who will work at the World Cup and the 5,000 for next year's Confederations Cup.
Also, Infantino denied that repeated doping scandals had tarnished the host nation's reputation.
"It does not affect the country's reputation and certainly not the quality of preparations for the World Cup," Infantino said. "From what I can see, everything is done with respect by Russia to move ahead in the right way.
"As far as FIFA is concerned, we have our doping programs, they are very strict and very firm and they apply whatever."
Also on Wednesday, Infantino, Mutko and various officials and retired star players played a short exhibition game against a team of Russian celebrities, drawing 0-0. The new FIFA president was active in attack but spurned two good chances to score.
Medical staff start preparation for Russia 2018
As Russia prepares to host the FIFA World Cup™ and FIFA Confederations Cup, one of the key aspects of the preparations is to ensure the highest standard of medical services, including first aid and emergency support to participating teams, the FIFA delegation, guests and spectators during the competitions. The first FIFA workshop with the LOC Venue Medical Officers (VMOs) and Doping Control Officers (DCOs) who will be involved during the tournament at their respective venues took place in Moscow on 26-27 May under the leadership of FIFA's Chief Medical Officer Prof. Jiří Dvořák.
On the first day, representatives of all 11 Host Cities presented their structure and organisation in detail and provided updates on the current status of their preparations. The workshop participants were aware of the FIFA World Cup Medical Services and Doping Control Handbook.
“The presentations of the available medical facilities and services for the FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup were impressive and showed a high quality in terms of the institutions and the professionalism of the venue medical offices. From a medical perspective, Russia is ready to host the competitions,” said Prof. Dvořák, who has been FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer for the past six World Cups.
The first step of the medical implementation will be next year, during the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, which will serve as a huge platform not only for the four cities involved in the tournament but also for the seven other cities, giving them a unique opportunity to observe the implementation of all required medical guidelines for the tournament.
“During the workshop, our team of VMOs finally came together. As there are certain health standards in Russia, it was important to learn about international standards from our FIFA and LOC colleagues. All aspects were thoroughly demonstrated during the practical part. It is important that we all work together on this. All of the tasks that were set by the organisers of the workshop must now be implemented for the upcoming tournaments,” noted Anton Poddubnyi, the VMO from Ekaterinburg.
On the second day, a special emergency football course was held by Prof. Efraim Kramer for all Venue Medical Officers at Spartak Stadium. During this event, several emergency situations were simulated so that participants could perform first aid on the pitch. Another objective of the course was to enable all of the information presented to be transferred to all local medical teams of the 12 venues of the FIFA World Cup™.
“The commitment shown by the VMOs during the practical workshop on the pitch when managing emergency situations such as sudden cardiac arrest was overwhelmingly positive and expressed their motivation and willingness to get involved,” concluded Prof. Efraim Kramer.
In the closing session, FIFA presented the medical legacy of the World Cup to the VMOs, focusing on the improvement of education in football medicine and instructing all involved medical professionals to complete the FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine. Moreover, FIFA presented the injury prevention programme "FIFA 11+" and the “FIFA 11 for Health” programme to all participants.
On the first day, representatives of all 11 Host Cities presented their structure and organisation in detail and provided updates on the current status of their preparations. The workshop participants were aware of the FIFA World Cup Medical Services and Doping Control Handbook.
“The presentations of the available medical facilities and services for the FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup were impressive and showed a high quality in terms of the institutions and the professionalism of the venue medical offices. From a medical perspective, Russia is ready to host the competitions,” said Prof. Dvořák, who has been FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer for the past six World Cups.
The first step of the medical implementation will be next year, during the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, which will serve as a huge platform not only for the four cities involved in the tournament but also for the seven other cities, giving them a unique opportunity to observe the implementation of all required medical guidelines for the tournament.
“During the workshop, our team of VMOs finally came together. As there are certain health standards in Russia, it was important to learn about international standards from our FIFA and LOC colleagues. All aspects were thoroughly demonstrated during the practical part. It is important that we all work together on this. All of the tasks that were set by the organisers of the workshop must now be implemented for the upcoming tournaments,” noted Anton Poddubnyi, the VMO from Ekaterinburg.
On the second day, a special emergency football course was held by Prof. Efraim Kramer for all Venue Medical Officers at Spartak Stadium. During this event, several emergency situations were simulated so that participants could perform first aid on the pitch. Another objective of the course was to enable all of the information presented to be transferred to all local medical teams of the 12 venues of the FIFA World Cup™.
“The commitment shown by the VMOs during the practical workshop on the pitch when managing emergency situations such as sudden cardiac arrest was overwhelmingly positive and expressed their motivation and willingness to get involved,” concluded Prof. Efraim Kramer.
In the closing session, FIFA presented the medical legacy of the World Cup to the VMOs, focusing on the improvement of education in football medicine and instructing all involved medical professionals to complete the FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine. Moreover, FIFA presented the injury prevention programme "FIFA 11+" and the “FIFA 11 for Health” programme to all participants.
FIFA announces Africa’s World Cup seeds
Next month, the world football governing body, FIFA, will confirm the top five seeds for the African zone of the 2018 World Cup qualifying series.
The seeds will be announced between June 8 and 10, before the main draws take place on June 24 in Cairo, Egypt.
Nigeria will most certainly miss out, as the current FIFA rankings will be one of the criteria used. The Super Eagles are ranked 14th in the continent and are not likely to jump too high in the June rankings.
The top five ranked countries in Africa this month are Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal and Egypt. FIFA will also consider previous World Cup performances, a yardstick that may favour Nigeria.
The qualifiers will be played on a league basis of 20 teams divided into five groups from October. Only the winners of the five groups will qualify for Russia 2018.
The seeds will be announced between June 8 and 10, before the main draws take place on June 24 in Cairo, Egypt.
Nigeria will most certainly miss out, as the current FIFA rankings will be one of the criteria used. The Super Eagles are ranked 14th in the continent and are not likely to jump too high in the June rankings.
The top five ranked countries in Africa this month are Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal and Egypt. FIFA will also consider previous World Cup performances, a yardstick that may favour Nigeria.
The qualifiers will be played on a league basis of 20 teams divided into five groups from October. Only the winners of the five groups will qualify for Russia 2018.
World Cup Schedule 2018
The qualifying process for the 2018 World Cup began on March 12, 2015 with preliminary ties between the 12 lowest-ranked nations in Asia.
Chiquito Do Carmo of Timor-Leste had the honour of scoring the very first goal on the road to Russia in a 4-1 victory at home to Mongolia.
There are 31 places up for grabs, joining hosts Russia. The draw for the main sections of qualifying takes place on Saturday, July 25, 2015.
A somewhat modified, but still convoluted, system for 2018. The main seeds, including U.S. and Mexico, enter in Round Four.
Round One: The 14 lowest ranked nations playing two-legged ties, to be played in June 2015. Winners: Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Curacao, Dominica, Nicaragua, St Kitts &Nevis
Round Two: The seven winners from the first round and the next 13 lowest ranked nations to make 20 teams playing two-legged ties. Winners: Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba (Barbados fielded ineligible player), Belize, Canada, Curacao, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Nicaragua, St Vincent & the Grenadines
Round Three: The 10 winners from the second round join Jamaica and Haiti -- to make 12 teams playing two-legged ties. Winners: Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, St Vincent & the Grenadines
Round Four: The six winners from the third round join Costa Rica, Mexico, USA, Honduras, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago. Drawn into three groups of four nations playing home and away. Top two nations advance.
Group A: Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico
Group B: Costa Rica, Haiti, Jamiaca, Panama
Group C: Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago, St Vincent & the Grenadines, United States
Round Five: The six winners from the fourth round form one group of six teams. Top three teams qualify with the fourth placed team in an intercontinental playoff (0.5 place) against a team from Asia.
Chiquito Do Carmo of Timor-Leste had the honour of scoring the very first goal on the road to Russia in a 4-1 victory at home to Mongolia.
There are 31 places up for grabs, joining hosts Russia. The draw for the main sections of qualifying takes place on Saturday, July 25, 2015.
A somewhat modified, but still convoluted, system for 2018. The main seeds, including U.S. and Mexico, enter in Round Four.
Round One: The 14 lowest ranked nations playing two-legged ties, to be played in June 2015. Winners: Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Curacao, Dominica, Nicaragua, St Kitts &Nevis
Round Two: The seven winners from the first round and the next 13 lowest ranked nations to make 20 teams playing two-legged ties. Winners: Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba (Barbados fielded ineligible player), Belize, Canada, Curacao, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Nicaragua, St Vincent & the Grenadines
Round Three: The 10 winners from the second round join Jamaica and Haiti -- to make 12 teams playing two-legged ties. Winners: Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, St Vincent & the Grenadines
Round Four: The six winners from the third round join Costa Rica, Mexico, USA, Honduras, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago. Drawn into three groups of four nations playing home and away. Top two nations advance.
Group A: Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico
Group B: Costa Rica, Haiti, Jamiaca, Panama
Group C: Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago, St Vincent & the Grenadines, United States
Round Five: The six winners from the fourth round form one group of six teams. Top three teams qualify with the fourth placed team in an intercontinental playoff (0.5 place) against a team from Asia.
Soccer World Cup
The Russian government is allotting 664.7 billion rubles (about $10 billion) to the preparation of key infrastructure for the 2018 World Cup. Half of that amount (337.4 billion rubles) will go towards the development of transportation infrastructure.
Due to the ongoing economic crisis in the country, the final sum has been reduced almost threefold. In this year alone the budget was cut twice: In June hotel expenses were cut by 30 million rubles ($450,000), while in August another 150 billion rubles ($1,350,000) was slashed from the budget. One of the high-profile casualties of the cuts was a 240-meter-high TV tower to be built in Samara.
The budget's transportation component, however, has not been changed. The money will be destined to the reconstruction and construction of more than 100 transport sites and facilities, with airport infrastructure and the road network the top priorities.
According to Russian Transport Minister Nikolai Asaul, the federal and local authorities are currently developing logistics solutions based on estimates of passenger flows. Part of the work has already been completed: Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg has been reconstructed and a new terminal has been added to Samara’s Kurumoch International Airport.
The reconstruction of St. Petersburg’s airport took three years. Originally there were plans to connect Pulkovo Airport to the city center with a light-rail tramline, but due to the economic crisis the local authorities abandoned the idea. Fans will be now transported to the city in buses with special routes.
Due to the ongoing economic crisis in the country, the final sum has been reduced almost threefold. In this year alone the budget was cut twice: In June hotel expenses were cut by 30 million rubles ($450,000), while in August another 150 billion rubles ($1,350,000) was slashed from the budget. One of the high-profile casualties of the cuts was a 240-meter-high TV tower to be built in Samara.
The budget's transportation component, however, has not been changed. The money will be destined to the reconstruction and construction of more than 100 transport sites and facilities, with airport infrastructure and the road network the top priorities.
According to Russian Transport Minister Nikolai Asaul, the federal and local authorities are currently developing logistics solutions based on estimates of passenger flows. Part of the work has already been completed: Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg has been reconstructed and a new terminal has been added to Samara’s Kurumoch International Airport.
The reconstruction of St. Petersburg’s airport took three years. Originally there were plans to connect Pulkovo Airport to the city center with a light-rail tramline, but due to the economic crisis the local authorities abandoned the idea. Fans will be now transported to the city in buses with special routes.
FOX Sports Teams with National Geographic on 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP Coverage
Fox Sports and National Geographic are teaming up to cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup(TM) in Russia as the World Cup has never been covered before. The collaboration around the world's most popular sporting event will create unparalleled, comprehensive multi-platform visual coverage, with FOX's state of the art game telecast enriched by National Geographic's globally recognized photographers, videographers, journalists, mapmakers and graphic artists. National Geographic Partners LLC is a joint venture between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox.
"National Geographic is unmatched in its devotion to our planet, with photographers, videographers and writers all over the world, and that's particularly so in Russia," offered Eric Shanks, Fox Sports President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our goal is to take advantage of the substantial editorial access our colleagues at National Geographic have already established in Russia, which will clearly add a depth and texture to our storytelling, especially the features, vignettes and bumpers intended to capture the country's beauty, diversity and culture."
In preparation for it critically-acclaimed coverage of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup(TM) last summer, Fox Sports readied more than 60 features to air throughout the tournament. Fox Sports offered more human interest coverage of players and teams during its nearly 200+ hours of FIFA Women's World Cup(TM) programming than any network in the event's history. Similar coverage, though expanded to reflect the World Cup's greater number of teams, players and matches, is expected in 2018.
"National Geographic has experienced journalists on the ground throughout Russia who will collaborate with our Emmy Award-winning sports producers and videographers to develop a much deeper level of content," added Shanks. "This collaboration should provide unparalleled storytelling we can use in many of the World Cup-related programs and digital offerings currently in development."
"This unique collaboration is what our expanded partnership with FOX is all about - combining world class storytelling with tremendous scale and expertise," said Susan Goldberg, Editor in Chief, National Geographic. Early plans include a National Geographic hosted and curated consumer expedition to the World Cup; feature stories for National Geographic Magazine and National Geographic Traveler; a guide and special edition magazines devoted to the World Cup as well as Russian culture and history; utilization of National Geographic's extensive social reach and platforms and creation of digital and on-air maps covering the region.
About National Geographic National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox, combines National Geographic television channels with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic Studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, catalog, licensing and e-commerce businesses. A portion of the proceeds from National Geographic Partners LLC will be used to fund science, exploration, conservation and education through significant ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society.
"National Geographic is unmatched in its devotion to our planet, with photographers, videographers and writers all over the world, and that's particularly so in Russia," offered Eric Shanks, Fox Sports President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our goal is to take advantage of the substantial editorial access our colleagues at National Geographic have already established in Russia, which will clearly add a depth and texture to our storytelling, especially the features, vignettes and bumpers intended to capture the country's beauty, diversity and culture."
In preparation for it critically-acclaimed coverage of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup(TM) last summer, Fox Sports readied more than 60 features to air throughout the tournament. Fox Sports offered more human interest coverage of players and teams during its nearly 200+ hours of FIFA Women's World Cup(TM) programming than any network in the event's history. Similar coverage, though expanded to reflect the World Cup's greater number of teams, players and matches, is expected in 2018.
"National Geographic has experienced journalists on the ground throughout Russia who will collaborate with our Emmy Award-winning sports producers and videographers to develop a much deeper level of content," added Shanks. "This collaboration should provide unparalleled storytelling we can use in many of the World Cup-related programs and digital offerings currently in development."
"This unique collaboration is what our expanded partnership with FOX is all about - combining world class storytelling with tremendous scale and expertise," said Susan Goldberg, Editor in Chief, National Geographic. Early plans include a National Geographic hosted and curated consumer expedition to the World Cup; feature stories for National Geographic Magazine and National Geographic Traveler; a guide and special edition magazines devoted to the World Cup as well as Russian culture and history; utilization of National Geographic's extensive social reach and platforms and creation of digital and on-air maps covering the region.
About National Geographic National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox, combines National Geographic television channels with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic Studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, catalog, licensing and e-commerce businesses. A portion of the proceeds from National Geographic Partners LLC will be used to fund science, exploration, conservation and education through significant ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society.
FIFA World Cup 2018 tickets
Russia will try to provide cheaper tickets for its own citizens during the 2018 football World Cup, a proposal to be discussed at the upcoming FIFA Congress in Mexico.FIFA and Russia are expected to discuss the fourth price category of tickets for Russian citizens at the FIFA Congress on 12 and 13 May, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Saturday, reports Xinhua."We urge FIFA to grant us such tickets...We agreed that at the FIFA Congress in Mexico, they will give us the reply," Mutko was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency.
The official said the proposal was based on the fact that the current economic hardship and exchange rate have made it more difficult for ordinary Russians to afford the tickets.Russia won the bid to host the 2018 World Cup over five years ago. About 300 infrastructure projects are underway or have been completed in 11 host cities. Besides, 20 more cities are involved in visitors' accommodation service programme.Slumping oil prices and Western sanctions imposed to punish Moscow's alleged role in the Ukrainian crisis have dealt a serious blow to the Russian economy, with the country's GDP dropping by 3.7 percent.
The official said the proposal was based on the fact that the current economic hardship and exchange rate have made it more difficult for ordinary Russians to afford the tickets.Russia won the bid to host the 2018 World Cup over five years ago. About 300 infrastructure projects are underway or have been completed in 11 host cities. Besides, 20 more cities are involved in visitors' accommodation service programme.Slumping oil prices and Western sanctions imposed to punish Moscow's alleged role in the Ukrainian crisis have dealt a serious blow to the Russian economy, with the country's GDP dropping by 3.7 percent.
FIFA Fan Fest venues for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Football fans coming from Russia and all over the world now know exactly where to gather when looking for a joyful, friendly and unique environment to watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ matches. The FIFA Fan Fest™ venues located in the eleven host cities have today been revealed following the Board Meeting of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), kick-starting the planning for these official public viewing events that offer an authentic and free of charge experience for local and visiting football fans.
“Being in the stadiums is just amazing, but there is something really special about the FIFA Fan Fest as well. It is a real party atmosphere, I guess because of the mix of people from all over the world who are there to celebrate their love for football in a very relaxed and friendly way”, says Beatriz Andrade, who attended the FIFA Fan Fest in 2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa and in 2014 in her home country, Brazil. “I hope we qualify for 2018 and, if so, attending the FIFA Fan Fest in Russia is for me almost a sure thing.”
Football fans will be able to choose from a diverse list of very iconic locations in 2018, such as the Sparrow Hills on the right bank of the Moskva River, the famous beach promenade in Sochi or the stunning Family Center Kazan.
“Since Germany 2006 we have this very unique way of experiencing the FIFA World Cup, which is attending the FIFA Fan Fests. I had a great time every time I went there since then and when I see the images of the future venues I can already picture how amazing it is going to be to have gathered there all those passionate fans cheering and celebrating football together”, said FIFA’s Acting Secretary General Markus Kattner. “Not by chance the FIFA Fan Fest continues to grow in scale and awareness, with over 5 million people attending the 2014 events in Brazil”, he went on to add.
“The FIFA Fan Fest will be the perfect opportunity for each of our Host Cities to show the world their unique culture and friendly hospitality. These venues will serve as informal and joyful meeting points, from where I am sure fans will take some of their best memories from the amazing event we will host in 2018”, said 2018 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee CEO, Alexey Sorokin.
“Being in the stadiums is just amazing, but there is something really special about the FIFA Fan Fest as well. It is a real party atmosphere, I guess because of the mix of people from all over the world who are there to celebrate their love for football in a very relaxed and friendly way”, says Beatriz Andrade, who attended the FIFA Fan Fest in 2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa and in 2014 in her home country, Brazil. “I hope we qualify for 2018 and, if so, attending the FIFA Fan Fest in Russia is for me almost a sure thing.”
Football fans will be able to choose from a diverse list of very iconic locations in 2018, such as the Sparrow Hills on the right bank of the Moskva River, the famous beach promenade in Sochi or the stunning Family Center Kazan.
“Since Germany 2006 we have this very unique way of experiencing the FIFA World Cup, which is attending the FIFA Fan Fests. I had a great time every time I went there since then and when I see the images of the future venues I can already picture how amazing it is going to be to have gathered there all those passionate fans cheering and celebrating football together”, said FIFA’s Acting Secretary General Markus Kattner. “Not by chance the FIFA Fan Fest continues to grow in scale and awareness, with over 5 million people attending the 2014 events in Brazil”, he went on to add.
“The FIFA Fan Fest will be the perfect opportunity for each of our Host Cities to show the world their unique culture and friendly hospitality. These venues will serve as informal and joyful meeting points, from where I am sure fans will take some of their best memories from the amazing event we will host in 2018”, said 2018 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee CEO, Alexey Sorokin.
Host City for the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Players from the Russian national football team, a Stanley Cup winner in ice hockey, athletics, judo, gymnastics and biathlon, a famous opera singer and finally an astronaut. What do all these outstanding Russian personalities have in common? They have all been nominated as host city ambassadors for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.
The cities set to host matches at the World Cup have appointed people who are connected with the region in some way for this important and esteemed responsibility. Renowned ice hockey player Pavel Datsyuk has undertaken to be the face of his native Ekaterinburg as a Russia 2018 ambassador, father and son pair Dmitri and Denis Cheryshev, who represent the past and present of Russian football, have been chosen for Nizhny Novgorod, and opera singer Vasily Gerello will do likewise for Saint Petersburg (see below for a full list of ambassadors).
The ambassadors have been tasked with promoting a healthy lifestyle, popularising the landmarks and cultural values of their cities and, it goes without saying, advertising the World Cup in 2018. There are 19 city ambassadors in total, a number that will only grow in the future.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Yelena Isinbayeva recently became an ambassador for the Russia 2018 host city Volgograd and has explained how she views her role.
“My task and responsibility is to attract guests to our city and make it seem interesting for tourists with stories about the city and how World Cup preparations are progressing,” Isinbayeva told FIFA.com. “Russia 2018 will change our city for the better – the competition will give a great boost to the development of football and collective sport in general in Volgograd.
“We're getting a brand-new modern and beautiful stadium, which will be the jewel in Volgograd's crown. New roads are being laid and construction on the airport is almost finished, which will allow our citizens to fly to many countries directly without having to go through Moscow.”
Another city ambassador, opera singer Vasily Gerello, has already been involved in World Cup preparations when he took part in the first official Russia 2018 event, the Preliminary Draw in summer 2015 in Saint Petersburg. Together with opera singer Hibla Gerzmava, he performed the song “Moscow Nights” at the eye-catching draw ceremony. Gerello was picked as an ambassador for Saint Petersburg in December 2015 and admitted that he was “over the moon” to take on this role.
“It's a great honour for me to be a World Cup ambassador for Saint Petersburg, a city where globally renowned culture and sport are key symbols,” the singer declared.
One of the more unusual ambassadors has already done their bit for a Russia 2018 host city, and not down here on Earth but actually from space. Oleg Kononenko represented Samara on board the International Space Station (ISS) and the Russian astronaut even posed for photos on the satellite wearing a football shirt and holding a Samara flag.
“I received the offer to be a World Cup ambassador while on expedition at the ISS in 2015 and accepted it with great joy,” Kononenko revealed to FIFA.com. “I have children and I really want the young generation to grow up intelligent, healthy and curious. Football is close to the hearts of so many people and I'm delighted to be part of the team preparing to host the World Cup, spreading positive values and promoting sport and a healthy way of life.”
The Russia 2018 ambassadors will go around the world speaking to people about the host cities at the tournament. There are no doubts that they will cope with this task as part of a superb dream team.
The cities set to host matches at the World Cup have appointed people who are connected with the region in some way for this important and esteemed responsibility. Renowned ice hockey player Pavel Datsyuk has undertaken to be the face of his native Ekaterinburg as a Russia 2018 ambassador, father and son pair Dmitri and Denis Cheryshev, who represent the past and present of Russian football, have been chosen for Nizhny Novgorod, and opera singer Vasily Gerello will do likewise for Saint Petersburg (see below for a full list of ambassadors).
The ambassadors have been tasked with promoting a healthy lifestyle, popularising the landmarks and cultural values of their cities and, it goes without saying, advertising the World Cup in 2018. There are 19 city ambassadors in total, a number that will only grow in the future.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Yelena Isinbayeva recently became an ambassador for the Russia 2018 host city Volgograd and has explained how she views her role.
“My task and responsibility is to attract guests to our city and make it seem interesting for tourists with stories about the city and how World Cup preparations are progressing,” Isinbayeva told FIFA.com. “Russia 2018 will change our city for the better – the competition will give a great boost to the development of football and collective sport in general in Volgograd.
“We're getting a brand-new modern and beautiful stadium, which will be the jewel in Volgograd's crown. New roads are being laid and construction on the airport is almost finished, which will allow our citizens to fly to many countries directly without having to go through Moscow.”
Another city ambassador, opera singer Vasily Gerello, has already been involved in World Cup preparations when he took part in the first official Russia 2018 event, the Preliminary Draw in summer 2015 in Saint Petersburg. Together with opera singer Hibla Gerzmava, he performed the song “Moscow Nights” at the eye-catching draw ceremony. Gerello was picked as an ambassador for Saint Petersburg in December 2015 and admitted that he was “over the moon” to take on this role.
“It's a great honour for me to be a World Cup ambassador for Saint Petersburg, a city where globally renowned culture and sport are key symbols,” the singer declared.
One of the more unusual ambassadors has already done their bit for a Russia 2018 host city, and not down here on Earth but actually from space. Oleg Kononenko represented Samara on board the International Space Station (ISS) and the Russian astronaut even posed for photos on the satellite wearing a football shirt and holding a Samara flag.
“I received the offer to be a World Cup ambassador while on expedition at the ISS in 2015 and accepted it with great joy,” Kononenko revealed to FIFA.com. “I have children and I really want the young generation to grow up intelligent, healthy and curious. Football is close to the hearts of so many people and I'm delighted to be part of the team preparing to host the World Cup, spreading positive values and promoting sport and a healthy way of life.”
The Russia 2018 ambassadors will go around the world speaking to people about the host cities at the tournament. There are no doubts that they will cope with this task as part of a superb dream team.
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Embattled Brazil coach Dunga has declared that he has no interest in proving others wrong after his team's poor start to the 2018 football World Cup qualifiers. The Selecao is currently sixth in the South American zone qualifying group with just nine points from their first six matches, reports Xinhua.Draws with Uruguay and Paraguay last month led to calls from some members of Brazil's media for Dunga to be replaced by Corinthians coach Tite.
"I don't want to be proven right, I want to win," Dunga said during a seminar in Rio de Janeiro on Monday."We have the same record now to the one we had after six matches in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. People are talking about pressure, but there isn't any. A coach needs time to work."Earlier this month, the 52-year-old and Brazil's technical director, Gilmar Rinaldi, were told that results must improve immediately during a meeting with the Brazilian football confederation's top brass.He said he and his coaching staff were "monitoring thousands of players" to ensure the best squad was chosen for the centenary edition of the Copa America in June.
And he hit back at criticism of his authoritative style, which has reportedly led to friction with some players."I'm not here to be their father," Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga said."I have to be a dad to my own children. Here I have to be a professional and demand a good attitude and respect. They are men. They have to make decisions and behave accordingly."
"I don't want to be proven right, I want to win," Dunga said during a seminar in Rio de Janeiro on Monday."We have the same record now to the one we had after six matches in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. People are talking about pressure, but there isn't any. A coach needs time to work."Earlier this month, the 52-year-old and Brazil's technical director, Gilmar Rinaldi, were told that results must improve immediately during a meeting with the Brazilian football confederation's top brass.He said he and his coaching staff were "monitoring thousands of players" to ensure the best squad was chosen for the centenary edition of the Copa America in June.
And he hit back at criticism of his authoritative style, which has reportedly led to friction with some players."I'm not here to be their father," Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga said."I have to be a dad to my own children. Here I have to be a professional and demand a good attitude and respect. They are men. They have to make decisions and behave accordingly."
World Cup 2018 qualifying
The 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification process will decide 31 of the 32 teams which will play in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with the hosts Russia qualifying automatically. All 208 remaining FIFA member associations are eligible to enter the qualifying process. For the first time in World Cup history, all national teams registered for the preliminary competition, although due to suspensions not all teams participated in qualification. Bhutan and South Sudan made their FIFA World Cup qualification debuts. With the admission of Gibraltar and Kosovo as FIFA members in May 2016, both national teams are eligible to make their debuts in World Cup qualifying.
While the main qualifying draw took place at the Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna, Saint Petersburg on 25 July 2015, a number of qualification matches were played before that. The first began in Dili, Timor-Leste on 12 March as part of the AFC's qualification, with East Timorese player Chiquito do Carmo scoring the first goal of qualification. Matches were also played in CONCACAF prior to the main draw.
The number of teams participating in the final tournament is 32. Even though the qualification process began in March 2015, the allocation of slots for each confederation was discussed by the FIFA Executive Committee on 30 May 2015 in Zürich after the FIFA Congress. It was decided that the same allocation as 2014 would be kept for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
While the main qualifying draw took place at the Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna, Saint Petersburg on 25 July 2015, a number of qualification matches were played before that. The first began in Dili, Timor-Leste on 12 March as part of the AFC's qualification, with East Timorese player Chiquito do Carmo scoring the first goal of qualification. Matches were also played in CONCACAF prior to the main draw.
The number of teams participating in the final tournament is 32. Even though the qualification process began in March 2015, the allocation of slots for each confederation was discussed by the FIFA Executive Committee on 30 May 2015 in Zürich after the FIFA Congress. It was decided that the same allocation as 2014 would be kept for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
Suscribirse a:
Entradas (Atom)