Russia hosts World Cup draw

Russia will host the 2018 World Cup draw on Friday. The drawing ceremony will give Russia the chance to showcase the cities and stadiums that will host the 32 teams next June and July.

Former England striker Gary Lineker, the 1986 World Cup's Golden Boot winner as leading goalscorer, and Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya are the main presenters.

Final preparations for the Final Draw saw football legends including Diego Maradona, Brazil's Cafu and Italy's Fabio Cannavaro assisting with the event.

"I'm sad because Italy is not here. But I was the captain when I lifted the World Cup and here I am for the FIFA. It's difficult not only me but for all Italian people because to stay outside the World Cup is really tough," says Cannavaro.

Fabio Cannaravo and Diego Forlan in rehearsal. /VCG Photo

In the run-up to this event, FIFA has unveiled its official World Cup 2018 poster in Moscow. A special World Cup metro train was also launched in the Russian capital, one of the 11 host cities for the tournament.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko said, "Inside this train, you can learn the history of the world football. There are many historic photographs, stories about coaches, footballers, best goals, bright pages of the history of the football World Cup."

A few days before the Final Draw, the World Cup trophy came back to Moscow after touring Russian cities for the last few months. It will soon set off around the world before returning to Russia in May.

Meanwhile, 30 head coaches attended a seminar to learn about key aspects of next year's event. Organizers say they're addressing security concerns – as well as fears among visitors to Russia over possible acts of racism. Officials say all possible safety measures will be in place.

The Final Draw is set to be one of the biggest shows in town. A cast of showbiz stars and football legends will walk the red carpet at the Kremlin Palace before each team learns exactly which opponents they will face next year.

(CGTN)