The capital of Tatarstan stands as one of Russia’s largest and most dynamic cities. Recognized as the nation’s unofficial sports capital, Kazan earned this distinction through more than just the successful 2013 Universiade, which transformed the city’s infrastructure within a year. For years, Kazan has dominated Russian football, hockey, basketball, and volleyball, with local clubs consistently challenging the traditional powerhouses from Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup — a dress rehearsal for the World Cup 2018 — showcased Kazan’s readiness on the world stage. The state-of-the-art Kazan Arena, built specifically for major international events, hosted these matches with great success. By 2018, the stadium had absorbed the energy of passionate football fans, including memorable Europa League nights when FC Liverpool visited during the 2015-2016 season.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Kazan’s World Cup 2018 infrastructure, match schedules, top attractions, and travel tips.
How Kazan Prepared to Welcome World Cup 2018 Guests
Three national teams chose Kazan as their base camp during the tournament:
- Japan — trained at FC Rubin’s training ground and brought approximately 100 journalists
- Australia — trained at Ak Bars Kazan training ground
- Colombia — stayed at the Sviyaga Complex
In total, approximately 200,000 visitors descended on Kazan during the summer tournament. All teams arrived a week before the World Cup began and remained throughout the competition, traveling to other host cities for their matches.
World-Class Training Facilities
Each training ground offered unique advantages for the visiting teams:
- FC Rubin Training Ground — Completely renovated in 2015, transforming from an unattractive facility into a modern training center that meets international standards
- Ak Bars Training Ground — Features an enclosed territory with an internal park, allowing players to relax outdoors without leaving the complex
- Sviyaga Complex — Offers similar self-contained amenities for team privacy and convenience
Strategic Location and Logistics
Kazan’s central location made it an ideal base camp. Travel times to nearby host cities remained under 90 minutes:
- Australia’s matches: Kazan, Samara, and Sochi
- Colombia’s matches: Kazan Arena, Saransk, and Samara
- Japan’s matches: Yekaterinburg, Saransk, and Volgograd (with potential quarterfinal at Kazan Arena)
FIFA carefully scheduled Japan’s matches to start no later than midnight JST, maximizing viewership in the lucrative Japanese television market.
Accommodation Options in Kazan
The city offered diverse lodging to suit every budget:
- 3 five-star hotels
- 20 four-star hotels
- 35 three-star hotels
- 30 two-star hotels
- 5 one-star hotels
MATCH Accommodation 2018 held exclusive rights to host essential Championship personnel, including FIFA officials, the organizing committee, referees, teams, and broadcasters.
FIFA World Cup 2018 Match Schedule in Kazan
Kazan hosted six matches during the 2018 World Cup — four group stage games and two knockout round fixtures.
Group Stage Matches
- June 16 (Saturday) — Group C: France vs. Australia, kick-off at 1:00 PM (13:00). The tournament favorites faced the Socceroos in an always-exciting opening match.
- June 20 (Wednesday) — Group B: Spain vs. Iran, kick-off at 9:00 PM (21:00). A compelling clash between European giants and Asian qualifiers.
- June 24 (Sunday) — Group H: Poland vs. Colombia, kick-off at 9:00 PM (21:00). A decisive match determining the group’s final standings.
- June 27 (Wednesday) — Group F: Germany vs. South Korea, kick-off at 5:00 PM (17:00). The defending champions’ final group match.
Knockout Stage Matches
Kazan launched the Round of 16, hosting a match between the Group C winner and Group D runner-up. The city bid farewell to the World Cup 2018 on July 6th with a thrilling quarterfinal that determined the first semifinalist.
Kazan Arena: A World-Class Football Venue
Located in Novo-Savinovsky District on Chistopolskaya Street near the popular Riviera Water Park, Kazan Arena represents the pinnacle of modern stadium design.
Key Features and Specifications
- Capacity: Over 45,000 seats — Russia’s largest stadium at the time
- UEFA Category: Highest fourth category rating
- Opened: June 14, 2013
- Home Team: FC Rubin Kazan
- Construction Cost: 14.4 billion rubles
- Safety Rating: Considered among the safest stadiums in the world
Innovative Technology
The arena’s media facade functions as a massive outdoor screen, broadcasting live events from inside the stadium. Among Russian venues, Kazan Arena pioneered stadium-wide Wi-Fi connectivity, offering free internet access throughout the facility. The thoughtful design ensures excellent sightlines from every seat in the house.
Top Tourist Attractions in Kazan
Known as Russia’s third capital, Kazan blends ancient history with modern architecture. This thousand-year-old city showcases the harmonious coexistence of Eastern and Western cultures, where mosques stand alongside Orthodox churches and medieval monuments neighbor futuristic skyscrapers.
Kazan Kremlin — UNESCO World Heritage Site
The crown jewel of Kazan’s attractions, the Kremlin dates back to the 10th century and was rebuilt under Ivan the Terrible’s orders. This snow-white medieval fortress, over a millennium old, earned UNESCO World Heritage status. No visit to Kazan is complete without exploring this iconic landmark.
Within the Kremlin walls, visitors can explore:
- Qolşärif Mosque — Completed in 2005, this stunning reconstruction honors the original mosque of the Kazan Khanate, destroyed during the 1552 siege. Named after the last imam Saide Kul-Sharif, visitors may enter while respecting religious customs.
- Spasskaya Tower — A magnificent example of medieval defensive architecture
- Cathedral of the Annunciation — Historic Orthodox cathedral with panoramic viewing areas
Söyembikä Tower — The Leaning Tower of Kazan
This famous “falling tower” captivates visitors with its visible lean — the spire deviates several meters from vertical. Local legend tells of a proud Tatar queen who leapt from the tower rather than surrender to Ivan the Terrible during his siege of the city.
Scenic River Views
The Kremlin stands majestically on the high banks where the Volga and Kazanka rivers meet, offering breathtaking panoramic views that attract history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The observation point near Taynitskaya Tower offers the best vantage point, revealing sweeping views of:
- The city streets and circus
- The central stadium and glass pyramid complex
- The mighty Volga River
- Millennium Bridge and Kazan Arena (from behind the Cathedral of the Annunciation)
Presidential Residence
Within the Kremlin grounds stands the official residence of the President of Tatarstan. This 19th-century building was designed by Konstantin Ton, the renowned architect behind Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
Bauman Street — The Heart of Kazan
This pedestrian thoroughfare serves as the city’s cultural and commercial hub. Stroll through this must-visit destination to discover:
- Historic monasteries and 19th-century architecture
- The monument to legendary opera singer Feodor Chaliapin
- Souvenir shops and boutiques housed in beautifully preserved historic buildings
- Bell Tower of the Cathedral of the Epiphany
- The restored “Kazan” hotel
- Zero kilometer marker and Kachalov Theater
The Kazan Cat Monument
This charming monument honors the cats gifted to Catherine the Great to eliminate mice plaguing the Winter Palace. Nearby stands a replica of the carriage she used during her journey to Kazan.
Summer in Kazan — The Best Time to Visit
Summer transforms Kazan into a magical destination. Lush green parks, fragrant blossoming trees, musical fountains, and jazz-filled streets create an unforgettable atmosphere. International visitors flock to witness the spectacular cascade of colorful fountains on the Bolaq River — a truly mesmerizing experience.
While walking tours offer intimate exploration, renting a car provides the flexibility to discover Kazan and its surroundings at your own pace.
How to Rent a Car in Kazan
Local car rental companies have embraced modern booking systems, offering 24-hour online reservations via their websites, phone, or fax. The streamlined paperwork process typically takes just 15 minutes. Kazan’s rental agencies have adopted best practices from global market leaders, earning reputations as reliable partners with competitive rates and personalized service.
Benefits of Car Rental Services in Kazan
- Wide selection of new vehicles — domestic and foreign, economy to business class
- Comprehensive services including airport and railway station transfers
- Long-term rental options with purchase possibilities
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Clear rental and insurance conditions
- Multiple payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro
- Services for both individuals and businesses
- Special offers and loyalty bonus programs
- Round-the-clock technical support
- Emergency assistance for theft or accidents
- High-quality, personalized customer service
If you don’t have an International Driving Permit yet, click here to apply online. This essential document enables confident driving not only throughout Kazan but anywhere around the world.
Published May 11, 2018 • 8m to read
