The Confederations Cup is a great dry run for World Cup hosts, and Russia has also pushed the boat out for
the Football for Friendship programme for young players. FIFA is delighted.

“Definitely the Cup of Confederations is used by all actors as a rehearsal and as I have seen in terms of welcoming,
in terms in terms of security level in terms also of fan engagement I can only imagine how beautiful the World Cup next year will be,”
said FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura .

There remain a few small details to nail down, but Russia is World Cup ready says its Football Union vice-president.

“I have spoken with the coach of the English team, Gareth Southgate and he was just fascinated by the way the Confederations cup has
been organized and it is a very important signal. I think that such an important event will help us to show that we are a good and hospitable
country to all our friends,” said Sergei Anohin.

The Confederations Cup final’s special guests, the young participants of the Football for Friendship program, are in the 12 year-old age group.
One day these girls and boys may return as adult players on the game’s biggest, global stage.