Fans traveling to South-West Russia to see England play Tunisia on Monday are getting met with the worst welcoming party imaginable — all the bugs.
@Natpirks 1 - Mosquitoes 0. Lets hope they don’t come out tomorrow night for the #England game #WorldCup2018 pic.twitter.com/k8uS27XZMC
— Rachel Price (@NewsCamerawoman) June 17, 2018
The city of Volgograd is experiencing a huge number of flies and mosquitos, which is to be expected in summer, but eyes on the ground say it’s far more extreme.
First time for everything: Just had to abort going live on Sky Sports News with seconds to spare because of invasion of flies outside England team hotel. Big problem here in Volgograd. Helicopters have been spraying insecticide over the stadium this week
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) June 17, 2018
Volgograd sits on the southern banks of the Volga River, which experiences a huge spike in water temperature in June and June. Water is expected to reach as high is 68 degrees on Monday, and when paired with air temperatures in the mid-high 80s as well as low wind, it creates the perfect conditions for flies and mosquitos.
Fans are warning each other on Twitter to ensure they have bug spray handy for the game.
England fans - get this bug repellent. I have a feeling we’re all going to need it tomorrow It’s like playing real-life fruit ninja out there #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/nJTABOlPQV
— Scott D'Arcy (@DArcysj) June 17, 2018
While even news broadcasts are struggling to do their job because of the insects.
Flies & mosquitoes a problem in Volgograd ... as experienced while trying to talk for TV. @AP_Sports
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) June 18, 2018
England-Tunisia here tonight #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/KEPvnG5Tsh
It wont stop the game, but it could definitely get ugly.
Update on the fly situation here in Volgograd. In the day and whenever there’s a breeze the flies stay away. But at night, especially if it’s still, the little blighters get everywhere. I was playing a fun game of “bogey or fly” for about an hour after we went off-air last night.
— Anton Toloui (@SkyAnton) June 18, 2018
And anyone coming to Volgograd should bring the strongest bug spray you can find. They are vv hungry and there are an awful lot of them!
— emma murphy (@emmamurphyitv) June 17, 2018
The bugs are relentless here. It may be quite an annoyance for the keepers this evening under the lights. Wherever you go in #Volgograd there’s an army of gnats going for you! Bring spray! https://t.co/bRChL86zym
— Lance Santos (@Lance_News) June 18, 2018
Currently being eaten alive by midgets/flies in Volgograd. I have never been to a place like it. There will be nothing left of me by the end of the day. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/YLmci8wraX
— John Hill (@johnhillsport) June 18, 2018
How bad are the mosquitoes in Volgograd? This policeman’s wearing a net on his head. Photo from my friend Anna, who’s there. pic.twitter.com/Eu8jNcCiH5
— James Ellingworth (@jellingworth) June 18, 2018
Players loaded up on bug spray before the match.
#ENG had to add some extra preparation ahead of their clash with #TUN due to a swarm of bugs #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/HCh2ukIeMf
— ITV News (@itvnews) June 18, 2018
And the photos are pretty funny, too.
These bugs at #ENGTUN are no joke#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/tmZ5J85IMV
— SB Nation (@SBNation) June 18, 2018