2018 World Cup Logo Is Officially Unveiled

Hot on the heels of an extremely exciting 2014 World Cup, the time has come for FIFA to reveal the official logo for the 2018 edition, which will be held across the vast expanse of Russia. If the actual event is as spectacular as the logo unveiling was, then we’re in for an amazing spectacle in a few years time.

From FIFA’s report:

When the eagerly-awaited moment of unveiling arrived it was done in spectacular style. Three astronauts at the Russian space station revealed the hotly-anticipated new World Cup Emblem from their space capsule and subsequently the visual icon for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was brought into the television studio to rapturous applause. The launch was simultaneously complemented by a huge light projection on the historic Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.

And here’s the logo that brought about the “rapturous applause” from the Russian crowd:

If it looks like the logo stands to represent a mix of Russia’s traditional architectural design with a hint of the stars that the country’s heralded space program were (and still are) trying to reach, then that’s because it is. If you don’t believe me, take it from Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, speaking with FIFA (via RT.com)

“To creatively capture the essence of this remarkable historic moment inspiration was drawn from both Russia’s rich artistic tradition and its history of bold achievement and innovation,” he said. “I hope that fans around the world will appreciate and love the Russia 2018 emblem.”

For good measure, here’s the logo on a white background:

Make no mistake, this is a snazzy logo and although it’s clearly following a pattern from the 2014 World Cup of designing the logo within the confines of the FIFA World Cup Trophy, it’s also clear that this is a unique and attractive logo; One that doesn’t suffer from sticking too closely to a boring template. (You following this, NFL?)

But do you guys agree that this is a good logo, or do you think Russia could’ve come up with something better?