"Yes, I will [watch the World Cup matches]. Also, as the President of the host country, I will be attending the opening and closing ceremonies. I will check my schedule. I will attend more matches if I can," Putin said in an interview with China Media Group.

Russia will host its first-ever FIFA World Cup from June 14 to July 15, with the fixtures set to be played at 12 stadiums across 11 cities.

The hosts have been drawn in Group A alongside Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.