World Cup City Guide: Moscow
Name in Russian: Москвá
Population: 11,503,501
Average June temperature: 17°C
History: Moscow is Russia's largest and capital city, with its name often used to refer to the country as a whole. It is Europe's largest city, and the largest inland city in the world - situated on the Moskva river. There is evidence of the area being inhabited going back to Neolithic time, while the first known reference to Moscow as a city dates to 1147. From around this time until 1712, Moscow served as the capital city of the Russian Tsardom, before it was moved to St Petersburg. The capital was moved back to Moscow in 1918, and there it has remained ever since, throughout the Soviet and the Russian period. Since the fall of the Soviet Union the city has continued to grow, and the economy has exploded. During the World Cup, two stadiums in Moscow will will host games - the Luzhniki Stadium and the Spartak Arena.
What to do: The most famous site in Moscow is Red Square. On one side is the Moscow Kremlin, an old fortress constructed over centuries by various Tsars, and today the seat of power of the Russian government. On the other side is St Basil's Cathedral, finished in 1561 and built on the orders of Ivan the Terrible. It's design is unparalleled, and reflects 16th century Russian architecture. Red Square is the focal point in Russia, as all roads out of the capital lead from there. It would not be far from here to any of Moscow's world-famous museums, theatres or artistic venues. Additionally, over 40% of Moscow's territory is covered by greenery, and it has the largest urban forest in the world.
Distance from Moscow: 0 miles
Stadium: Spartak Arena (Capacity: 45,360)
Completed in 2014, the stadium is the home of Spartak Moscow. It is situated in the north-west of the city, near the banks of the river. The stadium was one of the host stadiums for the Confederations Cup in 2017, and has hosted European club fixtures for Spartak as well as the Russian national side.
Matches due to be played here:
16 June 2018 16:00 – Argentina vs Iceland – Group D
19 June 2018 15:00 – Poland vs Senegal – Group H
23 June 2018 15:00 – Belgium vs Tunisia – Group B
26 June 2018 17:00 – Serbia vs Brazil – Group C
3 July 2018 21:00 – 1H vs 2G – Round of 16
Stadium: Luzhniki Stadium (Capacity: 81,000)
The centre piece of Russia's World Cup bid, the Luzhniki is a world-famous stadium. It was the main stadium for the 1980 Olympics hosted by Moscow, but it also has considerable footballing pedigree having hosted the final of the Champions League in 2008. It has been renovated for the World Cup, removing the athletics track and bringing fans closer to the action. It will be the venue for the final, joining Wembley, the Stadio Olimpico and the Olympiastadions in Berlin and Munich as the only stadiums to have hosted a European Cup Final, World Cup Final and the Olympics.
Matches due to be played here:
14 June 2018 18:00 – Russia vs Saudi Arabia – Group A
17 June 2018 18:00 – Germany vs Mexico – Group F
20 June 2018 15:00 – Portugal vs Morocco – Group B
26 June 2018 17:00 – Denmark vs France – Group C
1 July 2018 17:00 – 1B vs 2A – Round of 16
11 July 2018 21:00 – W59 vs W60 – Semi Final
15 July 2018 18:00 – W61 vs W62 – Final
World Cup Host City Guides:
Moscow
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