2018 FIFA World Cup Russia poster revealed in Moscow

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The official poster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, featuring Russian goalkeeping great Lev Yashin accompanied by Soviet artwork, was revealed in the Moscow Metro on Tuesday.

Inspired by the constructivist art movement, the poster shows Yashin, wearing a knee brace and his signature cap, leaping across to get a hand on an oversize ball featuring Russia's landmass seen from space.

Yashin, who died in 1990, competed in four World Cups – 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970. He is the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d'Or award.

Police officers with a dog ride in a FIFA 2018 World Cup themed metro train. /‍VCG photo

"When we discussed the idea we had no doubts, we agreed at once that there should be a symbol of our country and the symbol of our country's contribution to world football history," Vitaly Mutko, Russian Deputy Prime Minister said. “And of course it was clear that it should be Lev Ivanovich Yashin, the best goalkeeper of the 20th century, a person that symbolizes Russian football."

The poster's presentation comes three days before the World Cup draw takes place to determine the match ups for the group stage.

"We are very proud of this beautiful landmark asset that portrays such an important icon and celebrates the coming tournament on Russian soil," FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said of the poster.

Russia is set to host the World Cup finals from June 14 to July 15 in 12 venues spread across 11 cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sochi.

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