Russia is ready for the world's biggest sporting event. The World Cup will kick off at Luzhniki Stadium tonight, and runs through July 15 in 12 stadiums spread across cities including Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Sochi. Russia is using a FAN ID system, which ticketholders need to access stadiums. For foreign fans, the ID provides free visa entry. All fans can book free transport between host cities, if they have a valid ticket for a match in their destination. Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the FIFA congress in Moscow on Wednesday. He said Russia is ready, and guarantees the security and convenience for all the fans. He also spoke highly of FIFA's work.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "I would like to highlight the dedication of FIFA, meaning that sports is beyond politics. Russia has always been committed to that and strives to have closer ties with all those who are committed to development to building the principle of sports."