The stamps have been developed in a se-tenant that allude to Brazil’s participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM. The journey starts in the city of Rostov-onDon, passing through St. Petersburg (on the 1st stamp), heading to Moscow (2nd stamp), which besides being the stage for the third game, is also the city where the final match will take place, with each name of the cities written in micro letter. Comprised of FIFA identity graphics, the stamps show a player and, under him, a trail accompanied by the green and yellow stars representing the five championships of Brazil team, heading for the then possi - ble sixth star attained in Moscow. There is also the presence of other elements that characterize Russia, such as the letters “RU”, the matrioska and the space explo - ration. In the background, there are several elements of the visual identity of the event, and on the top, in a prominent po - sition, the Official Logotype of the event (there are versions in English and Russian only). Vectorial illustration technique has been used.

Brazil at the 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM
 The history of the FIFA World Cup began in 1928, during a congress of the organization, when Jules Rimet obtained the approval to create an international tournament. The first competition took place in 1930, in Uruguay, with the participation of 13 invited teams. With the growth of the competition, nowadays it is necessary to go through a two-year qualifying stage, which counts on the participation of approximately two hundred country teams, to participate in the championship. Every four years, the FIFA World Cup pulls up millions of soccer fans and enthusiasts from around the world and is considered the world’s biggest event for just one sport. Official stamp issuances commemorating the event underscore the importance of this tournament for the host country, promoting a milestone in the history of collecting. For the first time in its history, Russia will host the FIFA World Cup in 2018. From June 14 to July 15, 32 teams will challenge each other for the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ title. The organization of the event proposed the following cities to host the matches: Kaliningrad, Kazan, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, St. Petersburg, Samara, Saransk, Sochi, Volgograd, and Ekaterinburg. The choice was made considering the reduction of travel time between cities - since Russia has 11 time zones and more than 10,000 km distance between 2 points - all are located in European Russia, with the exception of Yekaterinburg, which is located in the Asian Russia. There are 11 host cities and 12 stadiums, two of which are located in Moscow. Once again, Brazil qualifies for the World Cup, remaining as the only country that participated in all the editions of the event, being the 21st Soccer World Cup. Also, Brazil is the biggest winner with five tournaments, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. The art of this issuance represents the path to be followed by the Brazilian National Team in Russia, for another achievement, from the starting point, in the city of Rostov on Don, passing through St. Petersburg and ending in Moscow, which will be the stage of the grand finale. WORLD CUP AND PHILATELY Experience has shown that philatelic programs at major sporting events, such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, are rapidly depleted due to high demand from avid collectors and soccer fans around the world. Philately once again takes on the important role of recording and disclosing important moments in Brazilian sports history. Around the world, collectors can celebrate the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ in a unique and special way. With the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ Official Commemorative Philatelic Program, the Post Office eternalizes, through its postage stamps, the world’s main international soccer competition.