Polina Gagarina is scheduled to perform the track “A Million Voices” in Russian during a friendly match between Russia and Paraguay. This appearance is part of the match day program, highlighting performances that kick off the event for fans arriving at the stadium and watching from home. The show marks a moment of cultural exchange alongside the football action and underscores the global reach of football and music alike.
The artist will take the stage before the kickoff, warming up the crowd with a contemporary rendition of the song that previously graced the Eurovision stage in 2015. The moment is designed to energize supporters and set a celebratory mood for the international match.
Looking ahead, March brings a pair of friendlies for the Russian national team. Under the leadership of Valery Karpin, the squad is slated to challenge Serbia on March 21 and Paraguay on March 25. Both fixtures are scheduled to take place at the VTB Arena in Moscow, a venue that has hosted numerous international matches and national team gatherings in recent years.
In the broader context of global football governance, the 2021 to 2022 period saw Russia suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions. This decision affected the national team and clubs, altering participation in qualifying campaigns and continental events. As a result, opportunities to compete at major tournaments faced significant changes for the Russian side during that era, influencing planning and preparation for subsequent seasons and friendlies alike.
Despite the disruptions of that period, the Russia side continued to arrange and play a series of friendly matches in the following years. The team pursued competitive rhythm and development by testing squads against varied opposition, including fixtures against teams from Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. These matches served as a platform for squad integration, tactical experimentation, and player assessment as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild cohesion and form on the international stage.