The 2018 FIFA World Cup was the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup, the global championship tournament in men's association football, held across 11 cities in western Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018.
In 2009, the Russian Football Union announced its intent to bid for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. On 2 December 2010, FIFA appointed both Russia and Qatar as the locations for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups respectively.
On 28 October 2014, the official emblem of the 2018 FIFA World Cup was unveiled by one of three astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
“To creatively capture the essence of this remarkable, historic moment, inspiration was drawn from both Russia’s rich artistic tradition and its history of bold achievement and innovation. Above all, Russia’s pioneering in space was a truly captivating theme”
Zabivaka, the official mascot, was unveiled on 21 October 2016 after a public vote held a month prior. Zabivaka is a Eurasian wolf who wears a Russia 2018 shirt and red goggles for his protection.