Fisht Olympic Stadium was built to serve as the centrepiece venue of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. During the Olympics, it hosted both the opening and closing ceremony.

The stadium lacked a purpose following the Games, but was selected as one of the playing venues of the 2018 World Cup. For this, the closed roof had to be opened up, and additional seating was placed to boost capacity with a little over 6,000 seats. Works were completed in late 2016.

During the 2018 World Cup, Fisht Olympic Stadium will host four first round group games, one round of 16 match, and one quarter-final.

Fisht Olympic Stadium is also one of the playing venues of the 2017 Confederations Cup, including one of the two semi-finals.