MUMBAI: The venue of the 2018 FIFA World Cup has a train that travels all over its territory, from St. Petersburg to Siberia. Russia can be traversed onboard the carriages of the Trans-Siberian railway, a network of railways connecting Moscow with the Russian Far East, also known as the longest railway line in the world. In an unprecedented global initiative, leading up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, ESPN and Sony Pictures Sports Network presents The Last Train to Russia – a 12-episode series that explores the country of Russia through the eyes of ESPN international soccer reporter Martín Ainstein and his visits to the 11 World Cup host cities. The daily series will premiere on SONY TEN 2 SD and HD channels on June 1, 2018 at 9 P.M.

The series captures the culture, the people, the food and the mores via Ainstein’s journey onboard the Trans-Siberian railway beginning in St. Petersburg; snaking through the country to cities as far east as Ekaterinburg; Sochi on the west; and concluding with two episodes on Moscow. 

“The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia is the most anticipated tournament in the world, and as the official broadcaster, we are committed to offering our viewers a unique experience. Our build up to the World Cup has focused on giving our viewers in depth information on the teams, past winners, and the path taken by each team to qualify for the World Cup,” said Rajesh Kaul, President, Sports & Distribution, Sony Pictures Networks India. “The Last Train to Russia is an exclusive series by ESPN that gives viewers a taste of Russia and the host cities with a sagacious narrative of the greatest show on earth.” 

“We are excited to present The Last Train to Russia, the first in our comprehensive global news and information coverage of the World Cup in Russia,” said Jasdeep Pannu, Head of ESPN India Television Initiatives. “Russia is a country with rich culture and unique traditions. We expect that through Martin’s style of storytelling, we are able to offer a sense-of-place experience to World Cup fans in India.”

Ainstein added: “Traveling through the largest country in the world allowed me to get to know the real Russia: a rich, diverse, and ever-changing country. On the train, you begin to understand the country’s history and the lifestyle of its people by sharing and exchanging experiences. It was a fascinating journey.”

Ainstein’s reporting for this series lasted for six weeks as he traversed the vast country, one train station at a time. The ESPN international soccer reporter captures the traditions and historic centers of each of the 11 World cup cities in Russia, including the stadiums where the matches will be played.