"From what I've seen I am convinced that Russia 2018 will be the best World Cup ever. Everything is ready, and what is not ready will be ready very soon. Everyone who will come to Russia will discover a welcoming and warm country, a country that wants to celebrate football with the whole world," FIFA President Gianni Infantino told reporters Friday.
According to him, the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding Russian athletes would not affect football, adding that all Russian players underwent tests, and they were negative.
The draw for the final stage of the championship will be held on Friday in the State Kremlin Palace. Thirty-two participants will be divided into eight groups, with Russia, as the host country, heading the A group.
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2018 FIFA World Cup will be held in Russia on June 14 — July 15, with all preparations being finished in as many as five Russian cities, including Moscow.