FIFA unveiled the emblem for the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday in an elaborate ceremony involving cosmonauts and laser light shows.
The official reveal was made by Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station via video link, and followed by a light show projecting the emblem onto the Bolshoi theater building in Moscow.
The icon is a World Cup trophy colored with red and blue, the colors of Russia's flag, and outlined with gold. FIFA President Sepp Blatter said the logo represents the "heart and spirit" of Russia, according to the Associated Press.
"Seeing the football World Cup in our country was a dream for all of us," cosmonaut Elena Serova said.
Despite international controversy over Russia's persecution of gay people and activists and its role in the ongoing political crisis in Ukraine, FIFA has not budged on its decision to allow the country to host the competition, marking the first time that the event will be hosted by an eastern European country.
Proud to be part of spectacular unveiling of the official #2018WorldCup emblem in Moscow. We have lift off! pic.twitter.com/OydqO2mboY— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) October 28, 2014
Here's the #2018WorldCup logo, projected onto Moscow's Bolshoi Theater. What do you think? #football #Russia pic.twitter.com/FFF9dJVUC6— The Moscow Times (@MoscowTimes) October 28, 2014
Many poked fun at the 2014 logo's resemblance to a "face-palm" motion, particularly after host country Brazil's devastating loss to Germany.
Now I understand! #WorldCupLogo RT @filippomricci: Silent tweet via @MeStesso79 pic.twitter.com/G1Wx6xiQ5f— wurgi (@wurgi) July 8, 2014
So far, the most common Photoshop interpretation of the new logo is a screaming face, which could take on new meaning depending on how Russia's national team performs.
Еще картинки в тему. #WorldCup2018 #Россия2018 pic.twitter.com/yEih9Qmc8i— Cmile_J (@Cmile_j) October 28, 2014
Here's a look at a few of the logos from past years. Color-wise, the new icon is a departure from many of those before it, which featured a more multi-colored scheme.
Brazil, 2014
South Africa, 2010
Germany, 2006
South Korea and Japan, 2002
