Only three years ago, Germany won the world soccer championship in Brazil. International soccer clubs are now preparing for the twenty-first world cup in Russia.

Thirty-two teams will compete at the highest level in eleven cities and twelve stadiums throughout the federation. The tournament will be thirty-two days long, starting on June 14th and ending July 15th.

Sixty-four games will showcase the planets greatest soccer players who will compete through several rounds before the final match at Luzhniki stadium. 81,000 fans will watch the game in person, with millions more watching from their homes across the globe.

“One reason I love the world cup is because it’s always in a different place,” said senior Vinnie Bellissimo. “Seeing all the different countries the players come from makes it fun to watch. I hope team USA wins something, too. On the other hand, I’m concerned about the safety of the athletes in Russia. The world is going through some really sensitive times and I’m worried about possible terrorist attack attempts.”

With hundreds of thousands of people planning to visit the Russian Federation next year, security in all tourist populated cities will be exceptional. Russia’s “OMON”, or Special Purpose Mobility Unit will be on constant standby in case of riot control or counter-terrorism scenarios and will be co-operating with the “FSB” (Federal Security Service) on issues regarding counter-intelligence, surveillance, and internal/border security.

Russia is a common topic in politics, but it has recently entered the world of international sports as well. After hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, President Vladimir Putin is eager to have another global tournament take place in his motherland.

“You have seen how our young athletes, the future champions perceive this. You were absolutely right when you said that the Cup has a magic significance and a magic quality,” Putin told FIFA President Gianni Infantino during their meeting on September 9th of this year. 

Other than being a symbol of economic strength, hosting the World Cup in Russia may be the Kremlin’s attempt at easing relations with the west and improving global perceptions of Russia.

“Well, I think that its a really good thing for the world cup to be in Russia. Russians love soccer, and the World Cup will generate tons of attention there. With many hardcore fans and a solid culture, it will be an affair to remember,” said junior Gina Kostovetsky.

Soccer fanatics and casual sports fans alike can look forward to a thrilling tournament next summer in one of the most intriguing nations on the planet.