The right to host the FIFA World Cup is a fiercely contested honour. When Russia was awarded the tournament of 2018, it defeated a rival bid from England—as well as joint proposals from Belgium and Holland, and Spain and Portugal.Yet hosting the world’s most popular sporting event also entails real risks for the Russian government. In previous tournaments, football has become a backdrop for political and social protests.

The right to host the FIFA World Cup is a fiercely contested honour. When Russia was awarded the tournament of 2018, it defeated a rival bid from England—as well as joint proposals from Belgium and Holland, and Spain and Portugal.Yet hosting the world’s most popular sporting event also entails real risks for the Russian government. In previous tournaments, football has become a backdrop for political and social protests.