Russia celebrates its selection as World Cup host

August 14, 2013

By Bob FerranteJessica GolloherLisa Mullins

The next soccer World Cup for men is scheduled for 2014 in Brazil and today, the world found out where the following two editions of the tournament will take place. Soccer’s governing body FIFA selected Russia to host the 2018 World Cup and Qatar beat the United States and three other nations for the honor in 2022.Jessica Golloher has more from Moscow.

The next soccer World Cup for men is scheduled for 2014 in Brazil.

And today, the world found out where the following two editions of the tournament will take place.

Soccer’s governing body FIFA chose Qatar over the United States and three other nations to host the World Cup in 2022.

And it selected Russia to host the Cup in 2018.

That means Russia will host the Olympics in 2012 and the World Cup in the space of six years.

There were big celebrations today in Russia, after FIFA president Sef Blatter announced that Russia was will host its first World Cup.

Russia’s first deputy prime minister Igor Shuvalov appeared humbled and honored by the decision. ï¿½You have entrusted us with the FIFA World Cup for 2018, and I can just promise, we can all promise you, you will never regret it.ï¿½

Soccer fan Dima Agishev said the country has had so much bad press lately. He said today’s announcement gives Russians something to look forward to. ï¿½It is not a secret that sports event like this contribute to a national purpose,ï¿½ he said.

Igor fedyuchok agreed. He said the decision will help bring Russia closer to the rest of the world. And it will help at home too. ï¿½It will definitely motivate people to build infrastructure.ï¿½

Observers say Russia needs to get a move on that. The country acknowledges that it has to build 16 new stadiums and countless new roads and hotel rooms before it’ll be FIFA compliant to host the 2018 games.

Fans who travelled to Russia for two big soccer tournaments in 2008 encountered lengthy delays getting into and out of the countryï¿½ and some complained about the crime.

Dima Ishutin said he thinks Russia won’t be up to the task.

ï¿½The Olympics plus the World Cup? It’s too much.ï¿½

Ready or not, Russia got the nod, and will host two of the world’s biggest sports events within the next eight years.