Russia World Cup 2018: First tickets for finals go on sale

The first match of the finals takes place on 14 June

The first wave of tickets for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia went on sale on Thursday.

Fans can submit their applications via the Fifa website and tickets will be sold in two phases.

Prices will range from £79 for a second-round group match to £829 for the final in Moscow.

In line with previous ticketing policies, Russian residents will have a special price category with tickets starting at £17.

The most expensive ticket for the 2018 World Cup final at £829 is a £151 increase on the equivalent ticket at the Brazil 2014 final in Rio de Janeiro.

"We have put in place a ticketing system that will enable all fans a fair chance to secure tickets," said Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura.

*prices converted from USD to GBP based on current exchange rates

**prices converted RUB to GBP based on current exchange rates

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All applications made in the first phase, before 12 October, will enter a random selection draw if there are not enough tickets available to fulfil all requests.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by 16 November.

The first phase of sales then concludes in the period from 16-28 November, during which tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Another phase will begin on 5 December after the draw is made and there will also be a "last-minute" sales phase from 18 April to 15 July 2018, the day of the World Cup final.

The tournament begins on 14 June with Russia playing the opener at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Seven countries have already booked their places alongside the hosts - five-time winners Brazil, Belgium, Iran, Mexico, Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.