World Cup City Guide: Volgograd
A quick overview on all the cities that will play host to this summer's World Cup finals, and what we can expect from Russia as it showcases itself to the world.
Name in Russian: Волгогрáд
Population: 1,021,215
Average June temperature: 21°C
History: Situated on the banks of the Volga River at the centre of the Volgograd Oblast, the city dates back to 1589, when it was called Tsaritsyn. In 1925 it was renamed Stalingrad, after Josef Stalin, and it became a centre for heavy industry with important connections for shipping and rail. It is most famous for its role during the Second World War, where it was a key target for the Germany army due to its location and the propaganda value that Stalin's city carried. It was probably the bloodiest battle in history, lasting from August 1942 to February 1943. The Soviet victory was a turning point in the war against Hitler. Having been reduced to rubble, the city was rebuilt after the war and named Volgograd after Stalin's death. It remains an important industrial city to this day, with shipbuilding, oil refining and steel and aluminium production the most important.
What to do: A visit to 'the Motherland Calls' is a must. It is a giant statue, over twice as big as the Statue of Liberty, erected on the hill in the city on which the most intense fighting took place during the war. It serves as a memorial to the fallen and overlooks the entire city. After this, a visit to the Panorama Museum will contain many artefacts dating from the battle.
Distance from Moscow: 602 miles
Stadium: Volgograd Arena (Capacity: 45,568)
It is built on the site of the old Central Stadium, on the banks of the river, where FC Rotor Volgograd once beat Manchester United. It is designed to have an open-air feel to it, as the stadium's roof is supported by thin cables and girders, while also giving it a look of a fireworks displace. The open lattice structure takes the shape of a truncated cone. The Mamayev Kurgan war memorial is situated next to the ground.
Matches to be played here:
18 June 2018 21:00 – Tunisia vs England – Group G
22 June 2018 18:00 – Nigeria vs Iceland – Group D
25 June 2018 17:00 – Saudi Arabia vs Egypt – Group A
28 June 2018 17:00 – Japan vs Poland – Group H
World Cup Host City Guides:
Volgograd