The 2018 FIFA World Cup was an international football tournament contested by men's national teams that took place between 14 June and 15 July 2018 in Russia. It was the 21st FIFA World Cup, a worldwide football tournament held once every four years. It was the eleventh time the championships had been held in Europe, and the first time they were held in Eastern Europe. At an estimated cost of over $14.2 billion, it was the most expensive World Cup to date.
| Чемпионат мира по футболу FIFA 2018 Chempionat mira po futbolu FIFA 2018 | |
|---|---|
 The official emblem | |
| Tournament details | |
| Host country | Russia |
| Dates | 14 June – 15 July |
| Teams | 32 (from 5 confederations) |
| Venue(s) | 12 (in 11 host cities) |
| Final positions | |
| Champions |  France (2nd title) |
| Runners-up |  Croatia |
| Third place |  Belgium |
| Fourth place |  England |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 64 |
| Goals scored | 169 (2.64 per match) |
| Attendance | 3,031,768 (47,371 per match) |
| Top scorer(s) | Harry Kane (6 goals) |
| Best player(s) | Luka Modrić |
| Best young player | Kylian Mbappé |
| Best goalkeeper | Thibaut Courtois |
| Fair play award |  Spain |
World Cup 2018
(Russia, June 14 - July 15, 2018)
Automatically qualified: Russia (hosts)
The tournament phase involved 32 teams, of which 31 came through qualifying competitions, while as the host nation Russia qualified automatically. Of the 32, 20 had also appeared in the 2014 event, while Iceland and Panama each made their first appearance at the World Cup. 64 matches were played in 12 venues across 11 cities. Germany, the defending champions, were eliminated in the group stage. Host nation Russia was eliminated in the quarter-finals. In the final, France played Croatia on 15 July at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. France won the match 4–2, claiming their second World Cup.
Croatian player Luka Modrić was voted the tournament's best player, winning the Golden Ball. England's Harry Kane won the Golden Boot as he scored the most goals during the tournament with six. Belgium's Thibaut Courtois won the Golden Glove, awarded to the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets. It has been estimated that more than three million people attended games during the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2018 was the 21st FIFA World Cup, an international football tournament contested by the men's national teams of the member associations of FIFA once every four years. It took place in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018.
Champion : France
Dates : 14 June 2018 - 15 July 2018
Location : Russia
Teams : 32
ZABIVAKA - The Official Mascot of FIFA World Cup Soccer - 2018 Russia.
Stadiums
Twelve stadiums in eleven Russian cities were built or renovated for the FIFA World Cup. Between 2010 (when Russia were announced as hosts) and 2018, nine of the 12 stadiums were built (some in place of older, outdated venues) and the other three were renovated for the tournament.
- Kaliningrad: Kaliningrad Stadium (new). The first piles were driven into the ground in September 2015. On 11 April 2018 it hosted its first match.
- Kazan: Kazan Arena (new). The stadium was built for the 2013 Summer Universiade. It has since hosted the 2015 World Aquatics Championships and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. It serves as a home arena for FC Rubin Kazan.
- Moscow: Luzhniki Stadium (heavily renovated). The largest stadium in the country, it was closed for renovation in 2013. It was commissioned in November 2017.
- Moscow: Spartak Stadium (new). This stadium is the home arena to its namesake FC Spartak Moscow. In accordance with FIFA requirements, during the 2018 World Cup, it was called Spartak Stadium instead of its usual name Otkritie Arena. It hosted its first match on 5 September 2014.
- Nizhny Novgorod: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium (new). Construction of this stadium commenced in 2015 and was completed in December 2017.[78]
- Rostov-on-Don: Rostov Arena (new). The stadium is located on the left bank of the Don. Construction was completed on 22 December 2017.
- Samara: Samara Arena (new). Construction officially started on 21 July 2014 and was completed on 21 April 2018.
Samara Arena - Samara, Russia. Built in 2018. Capacity 44,807 Pax.
- Saransk: Mordovia Arena (new). The stadium in Saransk was scheduled to be commissioned in 2012 in time for the opening of the all-Russian Spartakiad, but the plan was revised. The opening was rescheduled to 2017. The arena hosted its first match on 21 April 2018.
A view shows the stadium Mordovia Arena, which will host matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Saransk, Russia May 4, 2018.
- Sochi: Fisht Stadium (slightly renovated). This stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Afterwards, it was renovated in preparation for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2018 World Cup.
- Volgograd: Volgograd Arena (new). The main Volgograd arena was built on the demolished Central Stadium site, at the foot of the Mamayev Kurgan memorial complex. It was commissioned on 3 April 2018.
- Yekaterinburg: Ekaterinburg Arena (heavily renovated). The Central Stadium of Yekaterinburg had been renovated for the FIFA World Cup. Its stands have a capacity of 35,000 spectators. The renovation project was completed in December 2017.
Rostov Arena - Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Built on 2014. Capacity 45,145 Pax.
- Saint Petersburg: Saint Petersburg Stadium (new). Construction commenced in 2007 after the site, formerly occupied by Kirov Stadium, was cleared. The project was officially completed on 29 December 2016. It has hosted 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup games and served as a venue for UEFA Euro 2020.
St. Petersburg Stadium, Russia. Built in 2017. Capacity 68,134 Pax.
Teams
FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia Official Squad - Spain
FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia Official Squad - Belgium
FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia Official Squad - Germany
Women pose for a picture at the Millennium Square in Saransk near FIFA World Cup Arena on 14 June 2018.
Opening ceremony
The opening ceremony took place on Thursday, 14 June 2018, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, preceding the opening match of the tournament between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia.
General view during the opening ceremony of 21st FIFA World Cup at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - June 14, 2018.
At the start of the ceremony, Russian president Vladimir Putin gave a speech, welcoming the countries of the world to Russia and calling football a uniting force. Brazilian World Cup-winning striker Ronaldo entered the stadium with a child in a Russia jersey. Pop singer Robbie Williams then sang two of his songs solo before he and Russian soprano Aida Garifullina performed a duet. Dancers dressed in the flags of the 32 competing teams appeared carrying a sign with the name of each nation. At the end of the ceremony Ronaldo reappeared with the official match ball which had returned from the International Space Station in early June.
Artists perform in the Opening Ceremony prior to the Group A - Russia vs Saudi Arabia match at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia on June 14, 2018.
Young participants of the international children's social programme Football for Friendship from 211 countries and regions took part in the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup at the Luzhniki stadium.
A supporter of the Colombian national soccer team cheers during a gathering on the first day of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow, Russia June 14, 2018.
A soccer fan arrives before the Group A - Russia vs Saudi Arabia match at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia on June 14, 2018.
A Russian fan arrives prior to the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia during the 2018 World Cup at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia.
A Russian fan cheers up during the Group A - Russia vs Saudi Arabia match at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia on June 14, 2018.
A Russian fan at the opening ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in central Moscow, Russia June 14, 2018.
Fans of Saudi Arabia during the Group A - Russia vs Saudi Arabia match at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia on June 14, 2018.
Russia head coach Stanislav Cherchesov salutes to goal scorer Russia's Artyom Dzyuba during the group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia which opens the 2018 soccer World Cup in Russia.
Senegal fans during Group H match Senegal vs Poland at Spartak Stadium, Moscow, Russia on June 19, 2018.
Japan fan inside the stadium before the match during Group H - Japan vs Senegal at Ekaterinburg Arena, Yekaterinburg, Russia on June 24, 2018.
General view inside the Kazan Arena Stadium Russia before the match between Poland vs Columbia on June 24, 2018.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo has a penalty saved by Iran's Alireza Beiranvand during their Group B - Iran vs Portugal match at Mordovia Arena, Saransk, Russia on June 25, 2018.
Colombia's Yerry Mina in action with Senegal's Sadio Mane during a Group H - Senegal vs Colombia match at Samara Arena, Samara, Russia on June 28, 2018.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts at referee Cesar Arturo Ramos during Uruguay vs Portugal match at Fisht Stadium, Sochi, Russia on June 30, 2018.
A Peru fan looks dejected after the match in Group C - France vs Peru at Ekaterinburg Arena, Yekaterinburg, Russia on June 21, 2018.
An England fan celebrates victory of England against Sweden on July 7, 2018 on top of an ambulance at London, UK where England win the match by 2 - 0.
Morrocoan football fans react while watching the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B match against Iran at Veronezh Arena, Russia.
A Peru fan cries after defeat in the Group C match between France and Peru at Ekaterinburg Arena on June 21, 2018.
Fans of Argentina celebrate as they watch the match between Argentina and Nigeria on a giant screen at San Martin square in Buenos Aires on June 26. Argentina won 2-1.
Fans of Croatia celebrate as they watch the broadcast of the round of 16 match between Croatia and Denmark in central Zagreb, Croatia, on July 1.
A Brazil fan looks dejected after the Quarter Final match - Brazil vs Belgium at Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia on July 6, 2018.
General view of both teams lined up prior to the FIFA World Cup Final match between France vs Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia on July 15, 2018.
Croatian fans during the FIFA World Cup Final match between France vs Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia on July 15, 2018.
Stewards apprehend a pitch invader during FIFA World Cup Final match between France vs Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia on July 15, 2018.
Ivan Perisic's handball which gives France a penalty and France successfully converted it to a goal during the final match against Croatia.
FIRST PHASE
Group A
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Uruguay | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 9 | |
| 2 |  Russia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 6 | |
| 3 |  Saudi Arabia | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | −5 | 3 | |
| 4 |  Egypt | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 0 |
14- 6-18 Moskva Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia
Russia's Yury Gazinsky scores the first goal in FIFA World Cup 2018 during the Group A - Russia vs Saudi Arabia match at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia on June 14, 2018.
15- 6-18 Yekaterinburg Egypt 0-1 Uruguay
19- 6-18 Skt. Peterburg Russia 3-1 Egypt 20- 6-18 Rostov-na-Donu Uruguay 1-0 Saudi Arabia 25- 6-18 Volgograd Saudi Arabia 2-1 EgyptEgypt's Ahmed Hegazi reacts during FIFA World Cup Group A match Egypt vs Uruguay at Ekaterinburg Arena, Yekaterinburg, Russia on June 15, 2018.
Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari celebrates scoring their second goal against Egypt during a Group A match at Volgograd Arena, Volgograd, Russia - June 25, 2018.
25- 6-18 Samara Russia 0-3 Uruguay
Russia's Artyom Dzyuba and Uruguay's Sebastian Coates challenge for the ball during the group A match between Uruguay and Russia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Russia.1.URUGUAY 3 3 0 0 5- 0 9 2.RUSSIA 3 2 0 1 8- 4 6 3.Saudi Arabia 3 1 0 2 2- 7 3 4.Egypt 3 0 0 3 2- 6 0Group B
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 5 | |
| 2 |  Portugal | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 5 | |
| 3 |  Iran | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | |
| 4 |  Morocco | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 1 |
Source: FIFA
Iranian players lift coach Carlos Queiroz as they celebrate after the FIFA World Cup Group B Morocco vs Iran match at Saint Petersburg Stadium, Russia - June 15, 2018.15- 6-18 Sochi Portugal 3-3 Spain 20- 6-18 Moskva Portugal 1-0 Morocco
Portugal's Cedric Soares in action during FIFA World Cup Group B match Portugal vs Morocco at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia on June 20, 2018.20- 6-18 Kazan Iran 0-1 Spain 25- 6-18 Saransk Iran 1-1 Portugal 25- 6-18 Kaliningrad Spain 2-2 Morocco 1.SPAIN 3 1 2 0 6- 5 5 2.PORTUGAL 3 1 2 0 5- 4 5 3.Iran 3 1 1 1 2- 2 4 4.Morocco 3 0 1 2 2- 4 1Group C
16- 6-18 Kazan France 2-1 Australia 16- 6-18 Saransk Peru 0-1 Denmark 21- 6-18 Samara Denmark 1-1 Australia 21- 6-18 Yekaterinburg France 1-0 Peru
France team line up during the national anthem before the FIFA World Cup Group C - France vs Peru match at Ekaterinburg Arena, Yekaterinburg, Russia on June 21, 2018.26- 6-18 Sochi Australia 0-2 Peru 26- 6-18 Moskva Denmark 0-0 France 1.FRANCE 3 2 1 0 3- 1 7 2.DENMARK 3 1 2 0 2- 1 5 3.Peru 3 1 0 2 2- 2 3 4.Australia 3 0 1 2 2- 5 1Group D
16- 6-18 Moskva Argentina 1-1 Iceland 16- 6-18 Kaliningrad Croatia 2-0 Nigeria 21- 6-18 Nz. Novgorod Argentina 0-3 Croatia 22- 6-18 Volgograd Nigeria 2-0 Iceland 26- 6-18 Rostov-na-Donu Iceland 1-2 Croatia 26- 6-18 Skt. Peterburg Nigeria 1-2 Argentina
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the Group D match against Nigeria in St. Petersburg, Russia, on June 26, 2018.
1.CROATIA 3 3 0 0 7- 1 9 2.ARGENTINA 3 1 1 1 3- 5 4 3.Nigeria 3 1 0 2 3- 4 3 4.Iceland 3 0 1 2 2- 5 1Group E
17- 6-18 Samara Costa Rica 0-1 Serbia 17- 6-18 Rostov-na-Donu Brazil 1-1 Switzerland 22- 6-18 Skt. Peterburg Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica
Costa Rica's Giancarlo Gonzalez fouls Brazil's Neymar in the penalty area during FIFA World Cup Group E Brazil vs Costa Rica match at Saint Petersburg Stadium, Russia on June 22, 2018.22- 6-18 Kaliningrad Serbia 1-2 Switzerland 27- 6-18 Moskva Serbia 0-2 Brazil 27- 6-18 Nz. Novgorod Switzerland 2-2 Costa Rica 1.BRAZIL 3 2 1 0 5- 1 7 2.SWITZERLAND 3 1 2 0 5- 4 5 3.Serbia 3 1 0 2 2- 4 3 4.Costa Rica 3 0 1 2 2- 5 1Group F
17- 6-18 Moskva Germany 0-1 Mexico 18- 6-18 Nz. Novgorod Sweden 1-0 South Korea 23- 6-18 Rostov-na-Donu South Korea 1-2 Mexico 23- 6-18 Sochi Germany 2-1 Sweden 27- 6-18 Kazan South Korea 2-0 Germany 27- 6-18 Yekaterinburg Mexico 0-3 Sweden
Ludwig Augustinsson of Sweden takes a corner kick during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group F match between Mexico and Sweden at Ekaterinburg Arena on June 27, 2018.
1.SWEDEN 3 2 0 1 5- 2 6 2.MEXICO 3 2 0 1 3- 4 6 3.South Korea 3 1 0 2 3- 3 3 4.Germany 3 1 0 2 2- 4 3Group G
18- 6-18 Sochi Belgium 3-0 Panama 18- 6-18 Volgograd Tunisia 1-2 England 23- 6-18 Moskva Belgium 5-2 Tunisia 24- 6-18 Nz. Novgorod England 6-1 Panama 28- 6-18 Kaliningrad England 0-1 Belgium 28- 6-18 Saransk Panama 1-2 Tunisia 1.BELGIUM 3 3 0 0 9- 2 9 2.ENGLAND 3 2 0 1 8- 3 6 3.Tunisia 3 1 0 2 5- 8 3 4.Panama 3 0 0 3 2-11 0Group H
19- 6-18 Saransk Colombia 1-2 Japan 19- 6-18 Moskva Poland 1-2 Senegal 24- 6-18 Yekaterinburg Japan 2-2 Senegal 24- 6-18 Kazan Poland 0-3 Colombia 28- 6-18 Volgograd Japan 0-1 Poland 28- 6-18 Samara Senegal 0-1 Colombia 1.COLOMBIA 3 2 0 1 5- 2 6 2.JAPAN 3 1 1 1 4- 4 4 [fair play record: 0 RC, 4 YC] 3.Senegal 3 1 1 1 4- 4 4 [fair play record: 0 RC, 6 YC] 4.Poland 3 1 0 2 2- 5 31/8 FINALS
30- 6-18 Kazan France 4-3 Argentina 30- 6-18 Sochi Uruguay 2-1 Portugal 1- 7-18 Moskva Russia 1-1 Spain [aet] Russia won 4-3 on penalties 1- 7-18 Nz. Novgorod Croatia 1-1 Denmark [aet] Croatia won 3-2 on penalties
Denmark's goal keeper Kasper Schmeichel in action during the Round of 16 match between Denmark and Croatia at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia on July 1, 2018.
2- 7-18 Samara Brazil 2-0 Mexico 2- 7-18 Rostov-na-Donu Belgium 3-2 Japan 3- 7-18 Skt. Peterburg Sweden 1-0 Switzerland 3- 7-18 Moskva Colombia 1-1 England [aet] England won 4-3 on penaltiesQUARTERFINALS
6- 7-18 Nz. Novgorod Uruguay 0-2 France 6- 7-18 Kazan Brazil 1-2 BelgiumBrazil's Neymar is embraced by Renato Augusto after they lose the match after the Quarter Final - Brazil vs Belgium at Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia on July 6, 2018.
7- 7-18 Samara Sweden 0-2 England
7- 7-18 Sochi Russia 2-2 Croatia [aet]
Croatia won 4-3 on penalties
Danijel Subasic of Croatia and Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrate following their sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Russia and Croatia at Fisht Stadium on July 7, 2018 in Sochi, Russia.SEMIFINALS
10- 7-18 Skt. Peterburg France 1-0 Belgium 11- 7-18 Moskva Croatia 2-1 England [aet] THIRD PLACE MATCH 14- 7-18 Skt. Peterburg Belgium 2-0 EnglandFINAL
