Russia 'absolutely ready' for World Cup, Infantino says

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - Russia is "absolutely ready" to host the 2018 soccer World Cup in June and July, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday.

(Reuters)

Addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin and high-ranking officials in Sochi, one of 11 World Cup cities, Infantino said preparations for the month-long tournament were nearly complete.

Russia will host the World Cup from June 14 to July 15 in 12 stadiums spread across cities including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi.

(Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya; Writing by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)