"First of all, the increased flow of tourists will have a positive impact on the sports, tourism and HoReCa [the food service] industries," Sokolov said.

He added that Russia had invested a lot in improving the transport and sports infrastructure in the host cities and it would continue to benefit from it from five to ten years after the World Cup.

"Hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup is doubtless an important contributor to the country's image, which will help to bust the numerous stereotypes that have formed in the West about Russia, helping to improve the country's image in the global arena, and will have a beneficial effect on the flow of tourists in the future," Sokolov said.

Russia will host its first World Cup from June 14 to July 15. The fixtures will be played at 12 stadiums across 11 cities, with the host nation facing Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay in Group A.