Australia will train during the tournament at the base of local ice hockey club Ak Bars, who are the reigning Kontinental Hockey League champions.

"I feel confident in Kazan. Very confident. Its been great hospitality so far. No reason to complain. I want to see our fans here singing our national anthem. Hopefully, we will give them a reason to smile after the games," Sainsbury told journalists.

Australia were drawn in Group C alongside 1998 World Cup winners France, Denmark and Peru and will first play France in Kazan on Saturday. And Sainsbury was especially wary of France striker Antoine Griezmann ahead of the match.

  "Antoine Griezmann is one of the best in the world. Very good player. But football is a team sport. I hope my teammates will help me. France has a great squad. They could make few changes in their squad and still be successful at the World Cup. Against France we need to take our chances when we get them," Sainsbury added.

Russia's first-ever FIFA World Cup will be held between June 14 and July 15 at 12 arenas in 11 cities across the country.