Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter told Russian president Vladimir Putin that the country would be a "fantastic" host of the 2018 World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the draw for the qualifying stages of the competition, Blatter -- who announced his resignation amid a corruption scandal sweeping world football's governing body - said FIFA had "complete trust" in their Russian hosts.
Blatter met Putin shared the stage prior to the draw at St Petersburg's Konstantinovsky Palace.
The 79-year-old Swiss said: "Today is an important day in the long and winding road to the World Cup 2018.
"We are on track, Russia will be a fantastic host. It will be a wonderful moment for Russia, the rest of the world and for football.
"Hundreds of thousands of visiting fans will come to Russia for the first time in their lives and will be met with warmth, friendship and real Russian hospitality.''
With the Swiss attorney general investigating the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Blatter stressed: "We say 'yes' to Russia. Our support is especially important during the current geopolitical situation."
In response, Putin said: "As promised, we will do all we can for sportsmen and fans alike to feel at home here."