++TIMELAPSE FOOTAGE++

Moscow – 12 June 2018

1. Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin

2. Spasskaya tower clock

3. People walking past Saint Basil's Cathedral

4. Russia 2018 World Cup sign at Manezhnaya square

5. People walking on Red Square

6. People taking pictures of the Russia 2018 countdown at Manezhnaya Square

7. Museum in Revolution Square

8. People walking past the gates leading to Red Square

9. People taking pictures of Zabivaka, the official Russia 2018 mascot at Manezhnaya Square

10. Four seasons fountain at Manezhnaya Square  

11. Brides, grooms and guests taking wedding pictures with Zabivaka, Russia 2018's official mascot

12. "Moscow" written in Russian on Poklonnaya Hill

13. The Russia White House seen from bridge bedecked with Russia 2018 flags

14. Moskva City business district and boats sailing down the Moskva river

15. Monument to WWI in Victory Park

16. Monument to WWI

17. Monument to WWI at Kutuzovsky Avenue and Russia 2018 flags in the background

18. Fountains in Victory Square

19. Church dome

20. View of Moscow and couple having a wedding photo shoot in foreground

21. Tower of Ukraine Hotel with Russia 2018 flags in the foreground

22. People taking pictures of Luzhniki stadium at Sparrow Hills viewpoint

23. Luzhniki stadium

24. Cable cars leading from the Sparrow Hills to Luzhniki stadium

25. People passing in front of the World Cup art installation

26. Main entrance to FIFA Fan Fest Moscow with Moscow State University in the background

As the countdown to the 2018 World Cup continues, there is an air of anticipation in Moscow as crowds take in historic sites around the Kremlin, Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral.  

Monuments and city streets throughout the Russian capital are bedecked with flags in championship colours, and tourists and locals alike are gathering at World Cup sites to take pictures and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Moscow is hosting the World Cup along with ten other Russian cities.

The soccer championship runs from June 14 until July 15, with Russia playing Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in the opening match.