Moscow: FIFA World Cup 2018 is scheduled to be held in Russia this year, and will kick off on June 14 with hosts Russia taking on Saudi Arabia in a Group A encounter at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. The FIFA World Cup 2018 final will be held on July 15 at the same Stadium as the opening match. The defending champions Germany will play their first match against Mexico. Some of the biggest superstars of the world will be touching down in Russia in their respective bids to etch their names in history forever. The two current best players in the world — Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — know that this could be their final chance to get their hands on the trophy and will push their teams forward to realise their dreams. The World Cup will see a total of 32 teams taking part for the second last time, with Qatar in 2022 being the last edition before the 2026 World Cup opens up 16 more slots to make it a 48 team event. The 32 teams have been divided into four groups, with the biggest misses being Italy and Holland in terms of the traditional powerhouses. Hosts Russia, are in Group A, with top contenders Spain in Group B along with European champions Portugal. Defending champions Germany have been placed in Group F.
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