With two weeks to go until World Cup Russia 2018 kicks off, FIFA has launched a video of 11 of the 32 coaches at the tournament delivering pep talks to the expected 1 million fans visiting Russia this summer.
Russia manager Stanislav Cherchesov and Brazil coach Tite are on hand to provide advice to fans arriving for the tournament, assuring them they are in the lucky few to have got their hands on tickets for the ultimate football festival.
England manager Gareth Southgate informs fans that the gates to the 12 host stadiums across the country will open three hours before kick-off, with the message to “support us as loudly as you can, and also respect our opponents and respect our fans.”
Access to the stadiums is granted only with the all-important FAN ID. Cherchesov explains the system will act as a visa for foreign fans and access to the stadiums, as well as provide free travel between host cities, as long as supporters have match tickets for a game.
There are also words from France’s Didier Deschamps, Iran’s Carlos Queiroz, Switzerland manager Vladimir Petković, Portugal boss Fernando Santos, Peru coaching staff member Nolberto Solano, and Nigeria’s Gernot Rohr.
A message of zero tolerance to discrimination is delivered by Argentina’s Jorge Burruchaga: “Regardless of color, origin, sexual orientation or religion. Discriminatory acts will not be tolerated.”
Providing the parting words is Heimir Hallgrímsson. The head coach of the Iceland team, who will make their first appearance at a World Cup finals, asks supporters to “be the best fans in the world.”
The 2018 World Cup will kick off when hosts Russia take on Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 14 and will run for a month through to the final at the same stadium on July 15.