The FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia: Key Dates You Need To Know

What are the key dates for the 2018 World Cup in Russia? The tournament cannot come quick enough for us and we’re eagerly awaiting the first match on June 14th 2018. Russia will kock off their tournament at 3pm GMT.

 

We know how it is at thatsagoal, we feel it too. The summer really can’t come quick enough as we look forward to Russia 2018.

Parties are already being planned, World Cup Predictions are in full flow, and we’re all desperately seeking which Saturday has four games in a row so we can spend it in the pub. We hear you!

That’s why, despite the draw yet to have even been made, here are all the main World Cup dates for your diary. Because after all, it’s the World Cup, cares who’s playing!

 

The Draw

First up is the draw which takes place in just a week’s time. For the U.K., the December 1 draw will be live on Sky Sports News and is guaranteed to get the excitement rolling.

 

The Tournament

After all the pre-tournament friendlies are complete, the real action will kick off on June 14, with Russia playing in the first game at 3pm GMT.

It’ll be the only game on the opening day, with the Group Stage then lasting until June 28.

Such is the size of Russia, game times will vary considerably due to the time zones, however the Group Stage will generally see games kick off no later than 7pm and the earliest beginning at 12pm.

However, one game on the 16 June – or Super Saturday as it shall be called from this day forward – will kick off at 10am.

Super Saturday will see four games, the first beginning at 10am, followed by a 1pm game, a 4pm and 7pm kick off.

 

The Knockout Stages

The knockout stages are always the really heartbeat of World Cup betting. It’s gets the blood pumping and 2018 will see the Round of 16 take place between June 30 and July 3.

Two will take place each day with all of them kicking off at either 2pm GMT or 6pm GMT.

 

The Quarter Finals

Likewise, kick off times for the Quarter Finals of the World Cup will also be 2pm and 6pm starts GMT, taking place across July 6 and 7.

 

The Semi Finals

Both Semi Final matches of the FIFA World Cup will start at 6pm on a Tuesday and Wednesday of the month.

Taking place on the 10th and 11th July in St Petersburg and Moscow respectively, the games are always a great place to play a free bet and heighten your predictions on who will win the World Cup.

 

Third Place Play-Off

We felt we could probably leave this off, but for anyone looking to maximise their bets on the World Cup in its final few days, the Third Place Play Off takes place on Saturday July 14 with a 2pm kick off.

 

The World Cup Final

It’s the game everyone wants to watch and everyone wants to win! There will be tons of enhanced odds and free bet offers as we approach the big game on July 15 in Moscow.

You’ll need to be sat around the TV at 3pm for the Final as two teams go head-to-head for the biggest prize in football. And here’s to hoping it’s those Three Lions!

 

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