Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in 2018 World Cup final draw

On December 1, at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the final draw of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Over 1,000 guests, including head coaches of the teams participating in the World Cup, attended the final draw ceremony.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended the ceremony, talked to the global football stars invited to the event.

“The tense qualifying stage is over and today the 32 best football teams in the world will find out who their rivals will be and in what cities they will play their matches. Our country is looking forward to the World Cup and intends to hold it at high level so that the leading football players can fully display their skills and show us everything that real football is all about. And, of course, we believe that those who come to Russia to support their teams will leave with unforgettable memories. They will not only see the world’s leading footballers play up close, but will also get acquainted with Russian culture, our history and Russia’s unique nature, and experience our traditional hospitality and openness. All the more so since the cup’s matches will take place in eleven cities, and fans will have an opportunity to visit several regions of this large and diverse country of ours,” Putin said.

As a result of the draw, the compositions of each group and the calendar of matches were announced. Kazan will host the following matches: France - Australia (June 16, 2018,1 p.m.), Spain - Iran (June 20, 9 p.m.), Poland - Colombia (June 24, 9 p.m.), Germany - South Korea (June 27 2018, 5 p.m.).

“Those who come to Russia and visit our city become our friends. Tatarstan's experience in holding international competitions confirms that. We are ready to meet all our guests properly. We have modern sports and cultural facilities, and places for recreation. It is in our traditions to respect the guests. We will do our best to make our guests happy," Minnikhanov said answering questions from journalists about hospitality during the World Cup 2018 matches.

"Our country is diverse and the task is to show all its advantages," he said.