Accessibility links

Breaking News

Official Poster For 2018 World Cup In Russia Features Iconic Soviet Goalkeeper


Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko standing by the official poster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko standing by the official poster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

The world governing board for soccer on November 28 unveiled the official poster for next year's World Cup finals in Moscow featuring a vintage design of Soviet goalkeeping great Lev Yashin in flight.

Inspired by the Constructivist art movement, the poster shows Yashin, wearing a knee brace and his signature cap, leaping across to get a hand on an oversized ball featuring Russia's landmass seen from space.

The poster was designed by Russian artist Igor Gurovich. Orange rays emanate from the ball and the circle of green in the middle of the poster represents the pitches of the 12 tournament venues, FIFA said.

The poster's presentation comes three days before the World Cup draw takes place to determine the matchups for the group stage.

"We are very proud of this beautiful landmark asset that portrays such an important icon and celebrates the coming tournament on Russian soil," FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura said of the poster.

Yashin, who died in 1990, competed in four World Cups -- 1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970. He is the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d'Or award.

Russia is set to host the World Cup finals from June 14 to July 15 in 12 venues spread across 11 cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Sochi.

Based on reporting by Reuters and TASS

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG