The 2018 World Cup is now upon us, and this year, it’s being held in Russia. Much like the Olympic Games, the World Cup is viewed as a chance for the host nation to capture the world?s attention with their stadiums, players? villages, and opening and closing ceremonies, and this year?s extravaganza is no different ? especially considering Russia?s idiosyncratic architecture and design. Yes, Russian design is over-the-top in everything from presidential palaces to metro stations, overtly expressive of their status as one of the world?s superpowers. Below, you’ll find a few of this tournament’s most interesting stadiums.
Nizhny Novgorod Stadium ? Nizhny Novgorod

Of the 12 stadiums that the 2018 World Cup will take place in, only a few of them were specifically built for the tournament. The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod is one such stadium, taking three years to build from start to finish. With a capacity of nearly 45,000, this stadium was designed under the influence of the area?s dominating natural elements, water and wind, which is why the main colors of the venue are blue and white. The stadium also has a collonade along its perimeter, and it will be used as a concert and performance venue after the competition is over. It will also be home to the Olimpyiets football team. Mordovia Arena ? Saransk

This oval stadium is easily recognizable thanks to its brightly colored exterior, which boasts a dappled facade of red, orange, and white pixelat...