FIFA unveils World Cup 2018 poster, Russian great Lev Yashin stars

FIFA has revealed the official poster for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 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.

Yashin, who played in four FIFA World Cups – 1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970 – features in a flat-cap with his famous knee brace and all-black kit, which gave him the nickname ‘The Black Spider,’ on a background of artwork.

Inspired by the constructivist art movement, the poster shows Yashin diving to get a hand on an oversized ball featuring Russia's landmass seen from space. Orange rays emanate from the ball and the circle of green in the middle of the poster represents the pitches of the 12 World Cup venues, FIFA said.

Introducing the official #WorldCup poster for Russia 2018! pic.twitter.com/91OTD6SYOq

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 28, 2017

Dynamo Moscow legend Yashin was the only goalkeeper to win the coveted Ballon d’Or. Artist Igor Gurovich who created the poster personally chose Yashin as the central figure of his work.

A special metro train whose interior is dedicated to the history of the FIFA World Cup was also unveiled on Tuesday, and the two are the last remaining visual icons of the World Cup.

The poster's launch comes three days before the World Cup draw takes place to determine the make-up of the tournament's group stage. 2018 World Cup draw to be held on Friday.

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