FIFA unveils its official poster for the 2018 World Cup designed by artist Igor Gurovich

Russian artist Igor Gurovich has designed the official poster for the 2018 World Cup which will be held in his home country. FIFA unveiled the design at the Moscow Metro ahead of Friday’s draw for the tournament finals. The poster depicts legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper to win the coveted Ballon d’Or.

The design for the poster draws inspiration from Russia’s football history and, through the depiction of Russia’s landmass superimposed onto the ball, the nation’s achievements in space exploration. Artistically, Igor cites the constructivist movement as an influence for his image, with the rays of light emanating from the ball symbolising the tournament’s energy and the circle of green representing the pitch.

“The style of Soviet post-Constructivist posters from the 1920s and 1930s, their unique visual language, a new, fresh poetry of figurative images, became one of the most important and revered elements of Russian culture,” says the artist. “This language is unquestionably thought of as Russian throughout the world. Therefore, in my work on the poster, I really wanted to make this language modern and relevant once again.”

“The Official Poster of the 2018 FIFA World Cup is a true reflection of Russia’s artistic and football heritage,” commented FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura. “We are very proud of this beautiful landmark asset that portrays such an important icon and celebrates the coming tournament on Russian soil.”

“It was very important for us to portray Russia as the Host Country in the Official Poster,” added the chairman of the Russia 2018 local organising committee Vitaly Mutko. “That’s why we chose Lev Yashin, a symbol of Russian football, as the main figure. I’m sure that the poster will become one of the most memorable symbols of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and that fans and participants alike will approve of it.”

You can watch a video about the poster here.