WITH just nine months to go until the 2018 World Cup kicks-off, things are really heating up in wintry Russia.

A host of stadiums are undergoing renovations as hundreds of thousands of supporters flock to the country from across the globe.

7 Stunning Etakerinburg Stadium is undergoing its final few changes ahead of the 2018 World Cup Credit: Getty

7 Ground is being boosted to meet Fifa requirements for the tournament next summer Credit: Getty

One particularly breathtaking ground the Ekaterinburg Arena, which has been taking huge strides in the past five years.

The stadium in Yekaterinburg was built in 1957 as a multi-sports arena with a capacity of just 27,000.

Despite a monumental makeover between 2007 and 2011, it still didn't meet Fifa requirements for the World Cup - awarded to Russia in the year of its reopening.

Since 2015, the ground has been given a stunning facelift, sporting a bizarre-looking "bowl" shape, with some incredible architecture around the lower levels.

The stadium is set to be completed in time for next summer's tournament - and will boast 45,000 seats once works have been finished.

During the 2018 World Cup itself, the Ekaterinburg Arena - home ground of Russian Premier League side FC Ural - will host four group games.

7 The Central Stadium in Yekaterinburg will host four group games at the 2018 World Cup Credit: Getty

7 The stadium is a multi-sports arena and host to Russian Premier League side FC Ural Credit: Getty

7 The bowl-shaped ground will be set for completion soon ahead of the 2018 tournament Credit: Getty

7 The Ekaterinburg Stadium boasts plenty of stunning architecture, which will be on display next summer Credit: Getty

Once the tournament is over it will once again be downsized, with temporary seating behind each goal being removed.

So far, along with hosts Russia, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Iran, South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia have already qualified for the tournament.

England meanwhile need just two points to guarantee their place in Russia, with two matches still to play.