"Fans from 103 countries came to Rostov-on-Don on free trains. More than half of them were Russians, but there were also a lot of supporters from the countries that played at the local stadium," said a transport official.

According to the Transport Directorate, there were fans from Madagascar, Kuwait, Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries among the passengers.

Polyakov added that a total 15,000 fans traveled to Rostov-on-Don and back on free trains in June when the city hosted four group stage matches, with another 2,000 supporters expected to arrive in the city for the Belgium v Japan clash in the round of 16, which will be played later.