Serbian singer Marko Radinovic will perform Katyusha ahead of the upcoming friendly between the Russian and Serbian national teams, a detail reported by RFU sources via RIA News. The moment is set to occur before the match brings together two storied European teams in spring 2025.
In March, the Russian side is scheduled to host two warmups. Valery Karpin guides the squad as they face Serbia on March 21 and Paraguay on March 25. Both fixtures will take place in Moscow at the VTB Arena, located in Petrovsky Park, a venue linked to Dynamo and a staple within Russia’s domestic league calendar. The games represent opportunities for squad rotation, tactical experiments, and national pride on a bright spring day for supporters. The VTB Arena, known for its modern facilities and passionate crowds, is expected to provide an electric atmosphere for players and fans alike.
Earlier, the global football community witnessed a significant interruption in competitive play. In 2022, governing bodies FIFA and UEFA decided to suspend Russia from participation in all sanctioned events, a measure that reshaped international schedules for the national team and Russian clubs. The decision kept Russia outside the main cycles of world football temporarily, influencing rankings, player exposure, and international relationships within the sport.
By mid-February, Russia retained the 38th position in the FIFA national team rankings. The country accumulated around 1499 ranking points, remaining just a touch behind Qatar, which climbed to the 21st position following a triumph in the Asian Cup. This snapshot reflects ongoing changes in national team development, regional competition, and the broader trajectory of football across the region.
In other notes, public figures discussed the presence of the Russian national team in forthcoming fixtures and the broader implications for national sports. The discussions underline a period of transition as teams navigate sanctions, competitive pressures, and the evolving landscape of international football. The announcements emphasize the importance of the upcoming matches for national identity, fan engagement, and the potential to showcase resilience on the field.