The Socceroos are set to face Denmark at the impressive-looking Samara Stadium - named Cosmos Arena after the city's impressive aerospace history - on June 22.

Yet, much like the Russian cosmonaut program in the early 60s, no advancement comes without massive cost and confusion.

The flashy roof design delayed construction from the start, but Cosmos Arena is still without a pitch as blizzards and increment weather continue to ravage the region, further casting doubt on Russia's capability to handle the tournament.

While FIFA believe there is still "huge amounts of work to be done", Alexander Fetisov, deputy governor of the Samara region, is downplaying the problem.

“I’d like to avoid unnecessary dramatisation of the situation,” he said.

“Everything is being done so that the stadium is commissioned in the time required.”