Russian and international sporting events. The information policy of Russian and European media coverage of conflict situations in the sport. The image of Russian sport in the eyes of Europeans and Russian citizens. Russia, Saint-Petersburg as an international capital of the football games in 2017 and 2018. Preparation for these global events and their specificity. Development of tourism in Russia, attracting guests to global sporting events and an attempt to change Russia's image in the eyes of Europeans in 2017. The results of the Confederations Cup -2017, a discussion of the pros and cons of holding it in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Sochi and Kazan. Main conclusions