http://www.russia2018-2022.com/

Show your support. Sign up and get updates from the Russian Bid Team.
Help us get the message to the masses! Tell your friends and colleagues about the bid.

MOSCOW 5 September 2009 — The Russian Football Union is proud to officially announce Russia's unconditional commitment to compete to be named as Host Country for the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup. With the full backing of the national leadership, the organizational team is now in place to bring the FIFA World Cup to Russia for the first time in history and establish Russia as an international centre for football.

The privilege of hosting the World Cup will have a significant positive impact upon Russia and serve to:
Leave a lasting legacy for football; not only in world class infrastructure but in coaching, training and administration experience;
Establish football as a means of teaching both sport and life skills to millions of Russian youth;
Stimulate and accelerate economic development and general infrastructure growth throughout Russia;
Proudly welcome the world's football fans to the warmth and friendship of Russia.

Nationwide growth of the game at all levels is expected to continue. The bid is expressive of Russia's affection for football and builds off the Russian national team's strong 3rd place showing in the Euro 2008 tournament. The world's favourite sport is also Russia's favourite sport, and with more than 100 nationalities and 11 time zones stretching across the vast continent, no other country presents the chance to share this great event with so diverse a population. Russia has forever been at the crossroads of east and west. Its limitless and uniquely beautiful geography, and its ancient mixture of peoples, beliefs and customs have created a truly one-of-a-kind society in the world's largest country.

One of thirteen countries vying for a chance to host the tournament, Russia's first major milestone will be delivery of the bid book on 14 May 2010. (less info)