FX.co ★ Russia’s 2018 World Cup stadiums

Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow is the main stadium of the tournament. It will host the opening match with the participation of Russian team and the final. The largest arena of the country was built in 1956 in a wetland, so the soil had to be raised by half a meter. In 2013, a large-scale reconstruction began at a cost of 24 billion rubles - field paths were removed and the roof area was increased. The maximum capacity of the stadium is 81,000 seats.

St. Petersburg Stadium was opened this year for the Confederations Cup. The construction of the arena on Krestovsky Island started in 2006. Previously, the 72,000-seat stadium named after Kirov was located here. Today, the arena is able to host 68,134 viewers. This is the only stadium in Russia with a sliding roof.

The 43,298-seat Spartak Stadium in Moscow is also ready to welcome fans. Tushino airfield was located here before. There is also Kazan Arena construction of which ended in 2013. The 2013 Summer Universiade, Russian Cup, Euro Cups, and Confederations Cup already took place here. At this stadium, during the Russian championship between the local Ruben and CSKA, a pass system by the fan passport was approved for the first time. The stadium was built on the waste ground. During the World Cup 2018, its capacity will be 44,779 seats.

The stadium in Ekaterinburg is considered an object of cultural heritage. About 90% of construction works are done, according to experts. It was initially known as Central Stadium. During the reconstruction, a part of the historical facade, which is an architectural monument of Stalinist neoclassicism, has been retained. The cost of reconstruction amounted to 12.7 billion rubles. The capacity of the stadium in Ekaterinburg during the World Cup 2018 will be 33,000 people and after, 23,000. On the Ekaterinburg Arena, four group stage matches will take place.

The Mordovia Arena stadium in Saransk can host 44,149 people. It is 80% ready. Previously, a swampy terrain with private houses was located on the site of the arena. The owners of the houses were resettled in a residential complex which was built next to the stadium. The cost amounted to 15.8 billion rubles. On the Mordovia Arena, four group stage matches will take place.

The Rostov Arena stadium is situated on the left bank of the River Don. An artificial island was created specially for it. The stadium's capacity is 45,145 people. The cost of construction is 19.8 billion rubles. To date, the construction works are completed by 86%. Rostov Arena will host four group stage matches and a round of 16 clashes.

According to the idea of the project's authors, the Nizhny Novgorod Arena stadium should be associated with water and wind. So far, interior finishing works are being carried out. The stadium will be able to host 45,000 viewers. The cost of construction amounted to 16.2 billion rubles. Four group stage matches, one round of 16 matches and a quarterfinal will take place here.

At one of the highest points in Samara, another stadium was built with a capacity of 45,000 people.

The Russian team will play the third final match of the group stage on Samara Arena. Before the construction, an abandoned radio center was located here. The stadium is 65% ready to go, its construction cost is 18.2 billion rubles.

The stadium worth 17.3 billion rubles is being built in Kaliningrad. Previously, this place was a marshland. At the stadium, the installation of armchairs continues, temporary structures are erected, agronomists continue to look after the lawn of the field. In Kaliningrad, four group stage matches will take place. The Kaliningrad stadium will host 35,000 people for the World Cup and it will be further reduced to 25,000 after the tournament.

Volgograd Arena is currently under construction. The cost of construction is 16.2 billion rubles (the total estimated cost of the stadium is 16.367 billion rubles. In addition to the construction and installation works performed by the general contractor, it includes also the design cost). The capacity of the stadium is 45,000 people.

Another arena, able to host 45,000 viewers, was the main stadium for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Fisht Stadium will have four group stage matches, a round of 16 matches and quarterfinal of the World Cup 2018.