from June 17 to July 2, the long-awaited football fans tournament - Confederations Cup. The tournament has secured the status of rehearsal games for the future Russian World Cup 2018. The strongest teams representing their football confederations, among which:

• UEFA;
• CONMEBOL;
• CONCACAF;

Another participating team will be the winner of the World Cup - the German national team and the host country of the World Cup in 2018 - Russia. The games are planned to be held at stadiums that will also host matches of the World Football Championship in Russia. The tournament will be held according to the standard formula - group stage matches, playoff games and final.

The composition of the groups was determined as part of the draw in November 2016. All games will be played at four stadiums in four Russian cities. Spectators at the stadiums of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup have previously experienced the ups and downs of football confrontations.

"Spartak Stadium"

The home stadium of the capital "Spartak" opened in 2014. Club games are held at the stadium, called the "Opening Arena". Among the stadiums hosting the Confederations Cup 2017, it is one of the most beautiful and modern - the arena can accommodate more than 45,000 spectators. During national team matches, the arena will be called "Spartak Stadium". The original design called for a capacity of only 35,000 fans. When the decision was made on which stadiums would host the Confederations Cup, this arena was approved almost immediately.

Among the matches to be hosted by Spartak Stadium are Russia-Portugal, Cameroon-Chile and Chile-Australia. Also on July 2, there will be a fight for third place. In this arena, the Russian team has already held five meetings, including four within qualifying matches to the European Championship. The stadium often hosts festivals and concerts of pop stars. Among the well-known performers who played concerts here are Depeche Mode, the Leningrad bands and others.

Stadium "Krestovsky"

The main author of the stadium, located on S. Kirov Street in St. Petersburg, was the Japanese specialist Kise Kurokawa. This arena will be associated for many with the hefty costs of its construction. The stadium, which was built over ten years, cost almost 50 billion rubles. When questions were decided on which stadiums would host the Confederations Cup, the impressive Krestovsky stadium was one of the first proposed by the tournament organizers.

It intends to hold three group stage matches, including meetings between Russia and New Zealand, New Zealand and Portugal, as well as Cameroon and Australia. The opening match on June 17 between Russia and New Zealand plans to visit according to media reports and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. There will also be a closing match - the final of the tournament. The stadium also bears an alternative name - "St. Petersburg Arena". The game of the Russian national team at this stadium will be the debut after laying a new modern lawn.

Fisht Stadium

The arena is compactly located in the resort town of Adler. Its construction was timed to coincide with the XXII Winter Olympics, the right to host which went to Russia. The stadium, opened in 2013, has a capacity of over 47,000 spectators. The word "Fisht" has Adyghe roots - it is "white head". Given that Fisht is the name of a mountain peak, the stadium looks appropriate, resembling a mountain peak and at the same time a shell. The arena was originally planned to look like an Easter egg. The well-known Australian architect acted as the construction manager. The opening and closing ceremonies of regular Olympic Games were held here.

When it was decided which stadiums would host the 2017 Confederations Cup, it was decided that the games of the qualifying stage and one of the semi-finals would be played here. In the qualifying round, viewers in this arena will see the confrontation between Germany and Cameroon, Australia and Germany, as well as Mexico and New Zealand.

Stadium "Kazan Arena"

This stadium has received the fourth category of quality from UEFA, which is the highest. The stadium's capacity is 45,000 spectators. The stadium is considered universal - the Universiade, the World Swimming Championships, home games were held here football club"Rubin", other sports and cultural and entertainment events. "Kazan Arena" has become a stadium providing access to wireless Internet. When determining which stadiums will host the Confederations Cup, this arena was one of the first to be approved. The architectural project was developed by a company that took part in the creation of Wembley and Emirates stadiums.

The Russian national team will also play at this stadium against Mexico. The first game of the Confederation Cup at the arena will be held between the national teams of Portugal and Mexico on June 18. Spectators will see the confrontation between Germany and Chile at the Kazan Arena, as well as the first semi-final match of the tournament. The government of Kazan ordered to provide free travel in the city transport to persons who will have tickets for the game.

Brazil national team - winner of the Confederations Cup-2013
© EPA/Felipe Trueba

Eight teams will traditionally take part in the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia. These are the winners of six continental championships, the world champion and the national team of the host country. On the this moment four participants of the tournament are known - the Russian team, the world champions from Germany, the winner of the Asian Cup-2015, the Australian team and the recent champions of South America from Chile.

Four more participants will be determined in the next year and a half. On July 26, the CONCACAF Gold Cup draw will end in the United States. The teams of Mexico and Jamaica will play in the final of the tournament. To determine the participant of the 2017 Confederations Cup according to the regulations, the winner of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup will play an additional match with the Americans, who won this trophy two years ago.

The winner of the voucher from Europe will be determined on July 10, 2016, when the final of the European Championship will be played in France. If the teams of Germany or Russia, who have already received the right to play in the Confederations Cup, win, the finalist of the European Championship will play in Russia in 2017.

Finally, in November 2016, the winner of the Ocean Nations Cup will be determined, and in January 2017, the champion of Africa, who will also receive tickets to the 2017 Confederations Cup.

The tournament will be held from June 17 to July 2 in four Russian cities - Kazan, Sochi, Moscow (at the Otkritie-Arena stadium) and St. Petersburg. On the group stage Each team will play three matches.

The new "Zenith-Arena" of St. Petersburg will become the main stadium of the tournament, the opening match and the final will be held there, the semi-finals will be held in Sochi and Kazan, and the match for third place will be held in Moscow.

Cup group round draw confederation will pass at the end of 2016 in Kazan.

Confederations Cup- football tournament among national teams, held under the auspices of FIFA. Tournament precedes Soccer World Cup and takes place exactly one year before it in the host country World Cup. Eight teams take part in it: the winners of each of the six continental championships ( European Championship, America's Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup, Asian Cup, OFC Cup and African Cup), as well as the current World Cup winner and host country. In 2017, the tournament will be held for the 8th time. host country Confederations Cup 2017- Russia

Tournament Precursor - King Fahd Cup. The first Confederations Cup took place in 1997. At first it was held every 2 years, and since 2005 - every 4 years in the host country of the World Cup the year before.

All Confederations Cup winners: Brazil(KK-1997, KK-2005, KK-2009, KK-2013), France(KK-2001, KK-2003) and Mexico(KK-1999).

Top scorers in tournament history: Cautemoc Blanco(Mexican team) Ronaldinho(Brazil national team) - 9 goals each.

Participants of the Confederations Cup-2017: Russia, New Zealand, Portugal, Mexico(group A), Chile, Australia, Germany, Cameroon(group B).

Russian national football team in 2017 will take part in the Confederations Cup for the first time.

Kazan is a city in the Russian Federation, capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. The population of Kazan is 1 million 216 thousand people. Kazan was founded in 1005. In 2005 the city celebrated its millennium. Kazan Kremlin is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city stands on two rivers - Volga and Kazanka. Kazan has repeatedly hosted sport competitions continental scale: European Weightlifting Championship 2011, summer Universiade 2013, World Fencing Championship 2014, world championship water sports sports 2015. In 2017, the city will host matches of the Confederations Cup. Here on June 24, 2017 the match will take place Russia - Mexico. Kazan will also accept five matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

"KAZAN ARENA"

The stadium in Kazan, which will host the matches of the Confederations Cup-2017 and the World Cup-2018. Used by the Rubin football club for matches of the Russian Football Championship and other competitions. Also passed here Universiade-2013, World Aquatics Championship 2015. Capacity: 45 379. First football match: August 17, 2014 Rubin - Lokomotiv (1:1)

Moscow is the capital of Russia, a city of federal significance, the largest population center in the country. Moscow population- 12 million 330 thousand. The first mention of the city dates back to 1147. The Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, the Novodevichy Convent and the Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It's the only one Russian city hosted summer olympic games. Olympics 80 became a significant event in the history of Moscow. Every year Moscow hosts major sports competitions. In 2017 Moscow will host matches Confederations Cup, world championship trap shooting, tennis Kremlin Cup. Also in 2018, matches of the World Cup will be held here.

STADIUM SPARTAK

The stadium in Moscow will host matches of the 2017 Confederations Cup and the 2018 World Cup. Currently, the stadium is used by the football club "Spartak" for the games of the Russian Football Championship and other competitions. Since 2014, the stadium has hosted six matches of the Russian national football team. Capacity: 45,000 people. First football match: September 5, 2014 Spartak - Red Star (1:1)

SAINT PETERSBURG

St. Petersburg is the northern capital of Russia, a city of federal significance. The population is 5 million 225 thousand people. Earlier St. Petersburg was called Petrograd (1914-1924) and Leningrad (1924-1991). The city was founded in 1703 by Peter I. The historical center of St. Petersburg and the complexes of monuments associated with it are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city stands on the Neva River on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It will take place here Confederations Cup opening match, a game Russia - New Zealand June 17, 2017 and the tournament final on July 2, 2017. The city will also host matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. St. Petersburg is one of the main sports centers of the country. Zenit (football, basketball), SKA (hockey) are based here Wikipedia: St. Petersburg

STADIUM "KRESTOVSKY"

The football arena in St. Petersburg, which will host the matches of the Confederations Cup-2017, the FIFA World Cup-2018 and Euro-2020. Since the spring of 2017, it has been the home stadium of Zenit. Capacity: 67,800 people. First football match: April 23, 2017 Zenit - Ural (2: 0)

Sochi is a city in Russian Federation located in the Krasnodar Territory. The population is 401 thousand people. The city was founded in 1838. The world-famous Formula 1 Grand Prix of Russia is held here every year. Sochi is the only Russian city that has hosted the Winter Olympics. Winter Olympics 2014 became a significant event for the city. Here at the Olympic Fisht Stadium matches of the Confederations Cup-2017 and the World Cup-2018 will be held.

"FISHT"

Stadium in Adler, built for the 2014 Olympic Games. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. After the Olympics, it was closed for renovation. The arena will host matches of the 2017 Confederations Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Capacity: 40 000. First football match: March 28, 2017 Russia - Belgium (3:3).

“CSKA Stadium is almost ready to open. Reconstruction of Luzhniki is ahead of schedule. Taking into account the commissioned in 2014 stadium "Spartak" ("Otkritie Arena" - Approx. Ed.), The key metropolitan stadiums will be able to host international matches in 2017. Including, if necessary, the matches of the Confederations Cup,” said M. Khusnullin.

According to him, the CSKA stadium will be prepared for the opening in August 2016.

“The construction of the stadium is fully completed, the arena equipment is being adjusted and the documents for putting the facility into operation are being processed. During August, all work to prepare the stadium for the opening will be completed,” said M. Khusnullin.

Engineering systems and equipment are being installed at the Luzhniki Stadium, as well as preparations for football field to sowing grass.

“Initially, it was planned to complete the reconstruction of the Grand Sports Arena in 2017, but we are ahead of schedule, and by the end of this year, the bulk of the work at the stadium will be completed,” the head of the Construction Complex emphasized.

Our reference

The Confederations Cup is a football competition held under the auspices of FIFA in the host country of the World Cup a year before the championship itself. The cup is attended by the winners of each of the six continental championships (Europe, South America, North and Central America, Africa, Asia, Oceania), the winner of the World Championship and the team of the country in which the competition is held. Thus, eight teams take part in the cup.

The Confederations Cup-2017 is to be held from June 17 to July 2, 2017 in Russia. It is planned that the matches will take place at the stadiums that will later host World Cup games: the stadiums of Sochi, St. Petersburg, Kazan and Moscow (“Otkritie Arena”). The final decision on the venue of the Cup will be made by the RFU in agreement with FIFA.​

We invite our readers to get acquainted with the stadiums that will host the Confederations Cup 2017.

Yesterday, 02.03.2017, the commission of the International Football Federation (FIFA) completed its visit to Russia and expressed satisfaction with the preparations for the Confederations Cup 2017.

"We are satisfied with the progress of the preparations for the Confederations Cup, although there is something to work on", said Colin Smith, Director of FIFA Competitions and Events.

So what did the committee see? international federation? We present to your attention "fresh" photos of the stadiums that will host the Confederations Cup 2017.

"Opening Arena" (Spartak Stadium)

The home stadium of the Moscow football club "Spartak". It was put into operation in August 2014. The total construction cost is estimated at 14.5 billion rubles. Capacity 45,360 people. The stadium will host matches of the 2017 Confederations Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. For the period international tournaments will be referred to as "Spartak Stadium". The stadium has the highest rating from UEFA (4 stars).

St. Petersburg Arena (Zenith Stadium)

One of the most expensive stadiums in the world. The cost of construction is 41.7 billion rubles. The stadium will be leased to the Zenit football club for 100 years at a symbolic cost of 1 ruble per year. The stadium was designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. Capacity 67,800 people. This stadium will host matches of the Confederations Cup 2017, World Cup 2018, European Championship 2020. The stadium has the highest rating from UEFA (4 stars).

Olympic Stadium Fischt"

The stadium was built for the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi. The stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 22nd Olympic Games. The cost of construction + reconstruction is 43.8 billion rubles (previously the cost was lower due to the dollar exchange rate). Capacity 47,659 people. The stadium will host matches of the Confederations Cup 2017 and the World Cup 2018. The stadium has been rated 4 stars by UEFA.

Kazan Arena (Rubin Stadium)

One of the largest stadiums in Russia. The capacity of spectators is 47,659 people. The stadium is the home arena of the Rubin football club. The stadium hosted World summer games Universiade in 2013, World Aquatics Championship in 2015. This is the only stadium in the world that has set 12 world records in swimming. The stadium will host matches of the 2017 Confederation Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The cost of construction is 14.4 billion rubles. The stadium has been rated by UEFA with the highest rating of 4 stars.