FIFA approves World Cup stadiums for Russia 2018

Published Dec. 14, 2012 11:19 a.m. ET

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FIFA approved stadiums for the opening match, semifinals and final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will hold the opening match, one semifinal and the final. World Cup Stadium in St. Petersburg will host the other semifinal.

The executive committee of soccer's governing body Friday also advocated having a defibrillator at every stadium. The decision follows the collapse of Bolton's Fabrice Muamba at an FA Cup match March 17. The midfielder's heart stopped for 78 minutes. A cardiologist sitting among Tottenham fans left his seat to treat him and helped saved his life.

FIFA's executive committee next meets in Zurich in March.