Remembering Yekaterinburg's 2018 World Cup
It was a time when the city became one big family.
Jul 29, 2026 0
The 2018 World Cup created a wonderful atmosphere of unity and joy in Yekaterinburg.
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Eight years ago, in 2018, Yekaterinburg became one of the brightest cities in the world for a few weeks. Thousands of fans from different countries came here for the FIFA World Cup matches. Dozens of languages were heard on the streets, and foreigners happily got acquainted with locals, took photos, exchanged souvenirs, and celebrated their teams« victories together.
Fans experience so much happiness during the 2018 World Cup in Yekaterinburg.
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It felt like the whole city was living one big celebration then. Yekaterinburg residents gave visitors directions, taught them Russian words, organized joint dances, and introduced them to the culture. Many still recall that it was during the championship that they felt a special atmosphere of openness and unity.
The photos capture moments of seriousness among the fans alongside the joy.
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The 2026 World Cup recently ended, providing an excellent reason to briefly return to the summer of 2018. We asked E1.RU readers to browse their photo archives and send pictures from that time. In response, we received dozens of shots of smiling fans from Mexico, Japan, Peru, France, Egypt, Uruguay, and other countries who came to Yekaterinburg to support their national teams.
Fans parade through the streets carrying their national flags in a show of support.
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«This is an amazing story, very typical of everything that happened at the championship. Mexican Javier really wanted to come to Russia and saved up money for four years, but his girlfriend wouldn’t let him — and then his friends made a life-size cutout of him and brought it. And then the guy still convinced his girlfriend when the Mexican team beat Germany: “We have to support our guys.” He equipped a luxurious bus and traveled across Europe, and when he reached Yekaterinburg, he dropped by our TV channel where I worked then. The guy was very funny and completely wild. The impressions, of course, were unforgettable,» recalled editor-in-chief Alexander Ashbel of the 2018 World Cup.
They gladly pose for photos with local residents and create lasting memories.
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Yekaterinburg residents actively took photos, chatted, laughed, and got acquainted with the foreigners who came to the city.
Javier’s life-size cardboard cutout wears a shirt reading “My old lady wouldn’t let me come.”
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On the night of July 19–20, the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place. Spain and Argentina battled for the title of best team at the stadium in New York. They met in the final. The South Americans took the field to defend the title they won in 2022. Read our review on how the match went: read our review.
Javier’s bus, decorated with flags, becomes a remarkable sight on the streets of Yekaterinburg.
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After the match, mass riots broke out in Buenos Aires. We tell how locals reacted to the results: read more.
Javier finally makes it to Russia despite initial obstacles thanks to his friends.
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For those who want a laugh, we’ve collected all the memes from this year’s World Cup: check them out.
The diverse colors and cultures of fans merge into a single rhythm.
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Supporters travel from every corner of the globe to Yekaterinburg for the World Cup.
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Fans from different countries smile together in downtown Yekaterinburg.
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A group of fans poses with a Russian flag during the World Cup.
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Foreign and local fans share a joyful moment on the street.
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Colorful fan attire brightens the streets of Yekaterinburg during the tournament.
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Dancing fans celebrate their team’s victory in the city square.
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Fans exchange souvenirs and wristbands as a sign of friendship.
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A fan from Mexico wears a traditional sombrero in the crowd.
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Japanese fans display their national flags with pride and smile.
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Peruvian fans pose with locals in front of the stadium.
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French fans cheer enthusiastically during a match in Yekaterinburg.
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Egyptian fans show their support with banners and drums in the street.
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Uruguayan fans embrace a local mascot on the street.
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A large crowd gathers to watch a match on a big screen.
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Fans wave flags and sing songs together in harmony.
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