Russia hopes a smooth and peaceful World Cup

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Russia is hoping for a smooth and peaceful World Cup, as their football team took on Saudi Arabia in the opening match on June 14.

Fears of possible violence among supporters have been high on the agenda of Russian officials, particularly after clashes in the Spanish city of Bilbao earlier this year between Athletic Bilbao and Spartak Moscow, and battles between English and Russian fans at the Euro 2016 finals in France.

Russia says it is doing everything in its power to organize a safe World Cup.

A fan ID for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. /Photo provided by Jessica King

They have introduced a FAN ID system; it's designed to ensure anyone associated with hooliganism and violence is unable to get into the stadiums.

Along with a heavy police presence and CCTV surveillance, video drones will also be used in a bid to curb fan violence.

Paramedics and rescue crews are studying English to ensure they can communicate with supporters, should there be any problems.

FIFA – the football governing body – says it has complete trust in Russia's security arrangements, and that plans have been put in place to meet the specific needs of such a major sporting event.

The Russian government has made it clear violence will not be tolerated. They'll want the football to be remembered for the right reasons.