Back in Moscow three years after the World Cup, President Infantino (pictured above meeting the Russian Federation President in 2019) commented on the greater reach of the sport in Russia after hosting such a scintillating tournament and that it now offers an even stronger platform for boys and girls across the country to develop their involvement in the game.

“Russia is a very proud footballing nation and captured the hearts of many more fans in 2018,” said President Infantino. “Thank you to the President of the Russian Federation and of the Football Union of Russia not only for continuing to endorse football’s foundations for success but also using the power of football to promote diversity on and around the pitch.

“Russia and the Russian people left an extremely positive impression in everyone’s mind after the tournament. This is certainly a long lasting legacy of the World Cup held here three years ago.”

The FIFA President also visited the Luzhniki Olympic Complex today, in advance of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™. The venue will host the 11th edition of the competition from 19 to 29 August.

President Infantino later attended the UEFA EURO 2020 match between Finland and Belgium in Saint Petersburg, a venue which hosted seven matches during Russia 2018.