Football’s 10 Most Spectacular & Legendary Stadiums That Every Fan Must Visit

Massive football arenas are more than just concrete and steel – they are cathedrals of the sport, where history is made in front of tens of thousands of roaring fans. In this updated list of the largest football stadiums in the world, we focus on football-specific venues (used primarily for soccer matches) that boast the greatest seating capacities. This means famed multi-purpose venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground or Pasadena’s Rose Bowl (which host other sports like cricket or American football) are not included, ensuring that every stadium listed is primarily devoted to the beautiful game. These biggest football venues not only pack in huge crowds, but also have rich histories – from World Cup finals to record-breaking attendances. Read on for the top football stadiums in the world, their real-life seating capacities, historical significance, and the key matches that have defined their legacy.

1. Rungrado 1st of May Stadium – Pyongyang, North Korea (Capacity: 114,000)

Opened in 1989 on May Day (from which it derives its name), Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is officially the world’s largest football stadium by seating capacity. This gigantic venue can hold approximately 114,000 spectators in a two-tiered bowl configuration​

Located on Rungra Island in Pyongyang, it was built as a showpiece of North Korean architecture and national pride. Its distinctive 16-arch roof resembles a magnolia blossom, an engineering marvel that earned recognition at the 1988 International Inventions Expo in Geneva. Although the stadium is multi-purpose (famous for hosting the mass games of the Arirang Festival), it is primarily used for football and athletics and serves as a venue for North Korea’s national soccer team matches and domestic cup finals.

• Capacity: ~114,000 seats​ – the largest football-specific stadium capacity in the world. (It originally was said to hold 150,000 with old bench seating, before renovations reduced it to all-seater capacity of around 114k​
• Opened: 1989 (renovated in 2014).
• Primary Use: National stadium for North Korea – hosts national football team games and large-scale national events.
• Historical Significance: A symbol of North Korean prestige; site of world-record attendances for events (e.g. an estimated 190,000 for a 1995 pro-wrestling event).
• Notable Football Events: Has hosted North Korea’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies. For example, it was the venue for some of North Korea’s home qualifiers in recent World Cup campaigns, though often with limited foreign media access. (While no World Cup finals or major international tournaments have been held here, its sheer scale makes it legendary in world football lore.)

2. Camp Nou – Barcelona, Spain (Capacity: 99,354)

The Camp Nou is the largest football stadium in Europe, with a seating capacity of 99,354 spectators​

​Home to FC Barcelona since its opening in 1957, this iconic venue has witnessed the feats of football legends from Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho to Lionel Messi. Camp Nou’s massive stands and intimidating atmosphere have made it one of the most famous football venues on the planet. Beyond club matches (like El Clásico showdowns), Camp Nou has a storied history of hosting major international events. It was a key venue for the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, the site of the football final at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and has staged multiple European club finals.

• Capacity: 99,354 seats– making it the biggest football stadium in Europe(Plans are underway to expand it to 105,000 by 2026 as part of the Espai Barça renovation project​
• Opened: 1957 (originally 93,000 capacity, expanded over time; currently under renovation for future expansion).
• Primary Use: Home stadium of FC Barcelona (La Liga). Also used for Spanish national team matches on occasion and large European finals.
• Historical Significance: Host of two European Cup/Champions League Finals (1989 and 1999)​ the 1992 Olympic football final​ and matches in the 1982 World Cup (including the opening game). It has also seen record-setting crowds – for instance, over 120,000 fans attended a 1986 European Cup quarter-final vs. Juventus (before modern all-seater rules)
• Notable Matches: 1989 European Cup Final (AC Milan vs. Steaua București), 1999 UEFA Champions League Final (Manchester United’s famous last-minute comeback vs. Bayern Munich) and the 1992 Olympic gold medal match. Countless Clasicos and UEFA Champions League nights have cemented Camp Nou’s reputation as a theater of football history.

3. FNB Stadium (Soccer City) – Johannesburg, South Africa (Capacity: 94,736)

FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City or The Calabash (for its gourd-like shape), is Africa’s largest football venue with a capacity of 94,736 seats​

Located in Soweto, Johannesburg, this stadium was completely revamped for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when its capacity was expanded from about 80,000 to its current size​

The result is an awe-inspiring arena wrapped in an earth-toned mosaic exterior, evoking African pottery. FNB Stadium has tremendous historical and cultural significance: it was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first mass rally in Johannesburg after his release in 1990, and later, his memorial service in 2013. In sports, it became world-famous as the centerpiece of the 2010 World Cup, including the opening match and final.

• Capacity: 94,736 seats – the largest football stadium in Africa​
• Opened: 1989 (extensively renovated in 2009 for the World Cup).
• Primary Use: South Africa’s national football stadium; home venue for the South African national team (Bafana Bafana) and club side Kaizer Chiefs. It also hosts major domestic cup finals and concerts.
• Historical Significance: Main stadium of the 2010 FIFA World Cup – it hosted the tournament’s opening game and the final​, marking the first World Cup in Africa. It’s also known for its role in South African history (Mandela’s appearances, etc.).
• Notable Matches: The 2010 World Cup Final (Spain 1–0 Netherlands) was played here in front of nearly 85,000 fans and a global audience​. The venue also saw the opening match of that World Cup (South Africa vs. Mexico) with Siphiwe Tshabalala scoring the tournament’s first goal. In continental football, FNB hosted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final. With its deafening vuvuzela-powered atmosphere, Soccer City provided an unforgettable backdrop for these historic moments.

4. Wembley Stadium – London, England (Capacity: 90,000)

London’s Wembley Stadium is an iconic temple of football, often called “The Home of Football” in England. The current Wembley (opened in 2007 on the site of the old 1923 Wembley) seats 90,000 spectators​

Making it the second-largest football stadium in Europe after Camp Nou. Dominated by its 133-meter-high arch, Wembley’s design ensures every seat has an unobstructed view in this colossal bowl. As the English national stadium, it hosts all of England’s home internationals, FA Cup semifinals and finals, League Cup finals, and other major matches. The venue’s rich heritage extends from the old Wembley’s legendary events (like the 1966 World Cup Final) to the new stadium’s growing legacy of finals and concerts.

• Capacity: 90,000 seats– the largest stadium in the UK and second-largest in Europe.
• Opened: 2007 (replacing the old Wembley Stadium of 1923–2000).
• Primary Use: England national football team home games; venue for domestic cup finals (FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield) and major football events in the UK. Also hosts significant rugby and NFL games on occasion, plus concerts, but designed primarily for football.
• Historical Significance: Between the old and new Wembley, this site has hosted a record number of major finals. The 1966 FIFA World Cup Final (England’s lone World Cup victory) and the final of Euro 1996 were at the original Wembley. The new Wembley has already hosted two UEFA Champions League Finals (2011 and 2013) and the UEFA Euro 2020 final. It is a venue synonymous with prestige – winning a trophy “under the Wembley arch” is a pinnacle of achievement in football.
• Notable Matches: 2011 Champions League Final (Barcelona vs. Manchester United) and 2013 Final (Bayern Munich vs. Dortmund) were held here as was the Euro 2020 Final (Italy vs. England in 2021). Every year, the FA Cup Final produces drama on this hallowed turf. Wembley’s atmosphere during an England vs Germany clash or an FA Cup final is often electric, living up to its status as one of the top football stadiums in the world.

5. Lusail Iconic Stadium – Lusail, Qatar (Capacity: 88,966)

One of the newest mega-venues in world football, the Lusail Stadium (also called Lusail Iconic Stadium) was built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This state-of-the-art arena can accommodate 88,966 fans​

Making it the largest football stadium ever built in the Arab world and host to the biggest matches of the Qatar World Cup. Inaugurated in 2022, Lusail features a stunning golden facade and an innovative design inspired by traditional Middle Eastern bowls and lanterns. During the World Cup, it truly became one of the biggest football venues globally, culminating in one of the most memorable finals in World Cup history.

• Capacity: 88,966 seats – currently the second-largest football stadium in Asia (after Rungrado), and the largest of Qatar’s World Cup venues. (Note: There are plans to downsize it to about 40,000 in the future for post-tournament sustainability
• Opened: 2022 (purpose-built for the FIFA World Cup).
• Primary Use: Built for football; hosted multiple matches in World Cup 2022. Going forward, expected to be used for major sporting and cultural events in Qatar, including potential future AFC Asian Cup or Olympic bids.
• Historical Significance: 2022 FIFA World Cup Final venue – Lusail hosted 10 matches during the World Cup, including the final on December 18, 2022​ (which was also Qatar National Day). It instantly entered football lore as the site where Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy for Argentina in an epic final against France.
• Notable Matches: The 2022 World Cup Final (Argentina vs. France, 3–3 after extra time, 4–2 on penalties) was an all-time classic match held at Lusail​. Other key games at Lusail during the tournament included Argentina’s group stage upset by Saudi Arabia and several knockout stage games. In one tournament, Lusail Stadium showcased its capability to host the world’s biggest football occasions, and it will be remembered for decades thanks to that dramatic final.

6. Estadio Azteca – Mexico City, Mexico (Capacity: 87,523)

The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is hallowed ground in world football – a stadium of legends. With an official capacity of 87,523 seats​

it remains the largest football stadium in Latin America​

Azteca is perhaps most famous for being the first (and only) stadium to host two FIFA World Cup Finals: the finals of 1970 and 1986​

In doing so, it witnessed Pelé’s Brazil triumph in 1970 and Diego Maradona’s Argentina win in 1986 – two of the sport’s defining moments. Opened in 1966, this gigantic bowl sits at high altitude (over 2,200m) and has seen everything from World Cup drama to continental club finals. It’s also home to storied Mexican club Club América and the Mexican national team.

• Capacity: 87,523 seats​– the largest stadium in Mexico and all of Latin America​
• Opened: 1966 (with various renovations, including upgrades for the 1986 World Cup and ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup).
• Primary Use: Home of Club América (Liga MX) and the Mexico national football team (El Tri). It also hosts local derbies (like Club América vs. Cruz Azul) and major concert events.
• Historical Significance: Iconic World Cup venue – Azteca is revered for its role in World Cup history. It hosted the 1970 World Cup final (Brazil vs Italy) and the 1986 World Cup final (Argentina vs West Germany) making it the first stadium ever to hold two men’s World Cup finals. It was also the stage for the 1970 semi-final often called the “Game of the Century” (Italy 4–3 West Germany in extra time) and for Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal and legendary 60-yard dribble goal in 1986. Few stadiums can match this pedigree.
• Notable Matches: In addition to the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, Azteca hosted the 1986 quarter-final where Maradona scored his “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” against England. It has seen two Olympic football tournaments (1968 Olympics gold-medal match was played here) and numerous CONCACAF Gold Cup finals. Looking ahead, Estadio Azteca is slated to be a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will make it the first stadium to host games in three different World Cups – further cementing its legendary status​

7. Bukit Jalil National Stadium – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Capacity: 87,411)

The Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur is the biggest football stadium in Southeast Asia, with a capacity of 87,411 spectators​

Built in 1998 for the Commonwealth Games, this stadium features a full athletic track around the pitch but is primarily known as the home of Malaysian football. Its vibrant yellow tiered seating and towering roof make for an impressive sight when filled with passionate fans. Over the years, Bukit Jalil has hosted not just domestic and regional football matches, but also multi-sport events and even high-profile club friendlies, establishing itself as one of Asia’s football meccas.

• Capacity: 87,411 seats– officially the largest stadium in Southeast Asia and one of the top 5 largest in Asia​
• Opened: 1998 (constructed 1995–1998 for the XVI Commonwealth Games).
• Primary Use: Malaysia’s national football stadium – home to the Malaysia national team (“Harimau Malaya”). Also used for major athletics events (it has a running track) and occasional concerts. It replaced the older Merdeka Stadium as Malaysia’s main sporting venue.
• Historical Significance: Host of the 1998 Commonwealth Games opening/closing ceremonies and athletics, which put it on the world stage shortly after opening. In football, it has co-hosted the 2007 AFC Asian Cup (group matches) and is the regular venue for the finals of regional tournaments like the AFF Championship (Southeast Asia’s football championship).
• Notable Matches: 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup Final (Malaysia vs Indonesia) was held here, with Malaysia winning their first regional title. The stadium also hosted the 2014 AFF Cup Final second leg (Malaysia vs Thailand). Top European clubs have played preseason friendlies at Bukit Jalil – for example, Liverpool FC matches in 2011 and 2015 drew huge crowds With its booming chants and drum beats, a packed Bukit Jalil provides one of Asia’s most electric football atmospheres.

8. Borg El Arab Stadium – Alexandria, Egypt (Capacity: 86,000)

Located just outside Alexandria, the Borg El Arab Stadium is Egypt’s modern giant, boasting a capacity of about 86,000 fans​

​Opened in 2009, it was originally built as part of Egypt’s bid to host the 2010 World Cup. The stadium features a circular two-tier design with an Olympic running track and was at one time the second-largest stadium in Africa (after Soccer City). Borg El Arab’s sizable capacity and relatively modern facilities have made it a key venue for the Egyptian national team, especially when security or renovations temporarily limited use of Cairo International Stadium. It’s affectionately nicknamed the “Stadium of the Army” since it was constructed by the Egyptian Armed Forces Corps of Engineers.

• Capacity: ~86,000 seats​– making it one of Africa’s largest football stadiums (often cited as second only to FNB Stadium in the continent)
• Opened: 2009.
• Primary Use: Home venue for the Egyptian national football team (for many qualifiers and friendlies). It has also been used by Egyptian Premier League clubs (from Alexandria or Cairene clubs hosting big matches).
• Historical Significance: Built to bolster Egypt’s unsuccessful 2010 World Cup hosting bid, it still found purpose as a host of major games. It was one of the stadiums for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted by Egypt. In recent history, Borg El Arab gained fame as the site where Egypt clinched qualification to the 2018 World Cup – a dramatic 2-1 win over Congo in 2017 in front of a raucous capacity crowd after a last-minute Mohamed Salah penalty (ending Egypt’s 28-year World Cup drought). Such moments have cemented the stadium’s place in Egyptian football lore.
• Notable Matches: Egypt vs. Congo (Oct 2017) – the World Cup qualifier that sent Egypt to Russia 2018, witnessed by 80,000+ jubilant fans. The stadium has also hosted CAF Champions League finals involving Egyptian clubs on neutral ground. While not as frequently used for club football week-to-week, Borg El Arab shines on big occasions, like key Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers or high-profile friendlies (Brazil played a friendly here in 2009).

9. Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan) – Kolkata, India (Capacity: 85,000)

Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, officially known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, is a legendary venue in Indian and Asian football. It currently holds about 85,000 spectators​

After a 2011 renovation that converted old tiered terraces into an all-seater configuration. (Remarkably, before renovation it could pack in around 120,000 with standing room, once making it the largest football stadium in the world.) Salt Lake Stadium has been the heart of football in India, hosting fever-pitch derbies between local giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal that drew six-figure crowds in the 1980s and 90s. It remains the largest stadium in India and has gained international attention by hosting FIFA tournaments in recent years.

• Capacity: 85,000 seats (current all-seater)​– the biggest football stadium in India. Prior to 2011, it held up to 120,000 with terraced seating
• Opened: 1984 (major renovations in 2011–2013 for seating upgrade, and further upgrades in 2017 ahead of the U-17 World Cup).
• Primary Use: Hosts matches for the India national football team and is home to Kolkata clubs (historically Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan SC have all used it for big matches). It’s the go-to venue for major football fixtures in India, from domestic cup finals to international friendlies.
• Historical Significance: A venue synonymous with Kolkata’s football passion – it witnessed the famous 1997 Federation Cup semifinal between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan where an estimated 131,000 fans crammed in (a record for a club match in India). It hosted the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup Final, marking the first FIFA final held in India, and the stadium drew huge crowds throughout that tournament, setting attendance records for youth World Cups.
• Notable Matches: 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup Final (England U17 vs. Spain U17) was held here, showcasing Salt Lake Stadium on the global stage. Countless Kolkata derbies have taken place on this ground, often with crowds exceeding 80,000, creating an atmosphere few places can match. In 2008, Argentina (with Messi) played a celebrated friendly against Venezuela here, illustrating the stadium’s ability to attract global superstars. Salt Lake’s legacy as a football fortress is cemented by the roar of its passionate supporters.

10. Estádio do Maracanã (Maracanã Stadium) – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Capacity: 78,838)

No list of giant football venues is complete without the Maracanã – Brazil’s most iconic stadium. Officially named Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, this historic ground in Rio de Janeiro has a current seating capacity of 78,838​

While that capacity is lower than others on this list today, the Maracanã’s legend comes from its unmatched history and the staggering crowds of the past. It opened in 1950 for the FIFA World Cup and famously hosted the 1950 World Cup final where an estimated 200,000 spectators (officially 173,850 paid) packed in to witness the infamous “Maracanazo” upset of Brazil by Uruguay​

After modernization for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, Maracanã is now an all-seater just under 80k, but it remains a cathedral of football. It regularly hosts the matches of Rio’s top clubs (Flamengo, Fluminense, etc.) and major finals. Few venues can rival the Maracanã’s resume: two World Cup finals 64 years apart, among countless other big games.

• Capacity: 78,838 seats​ – making it the largest stadium in Brazil. (Historically, it held well over 100,000 with standing room in earlier eras.)
• Opened: 1950 (extensively renovated in 2013 for the World Cup, and again minorly for the 2016 Olympics).
• Primary Use: Primarily a football stadium – home to Rio de Janeiro’s big clubs, including Flamengo and Fluminense (who often share tenancy for big matches). It also serves as a national team venue for Brazil’s key matches. Additionally, it’s used for concerts and ceremonies (e.g. Olympic ceremonies) but football is its main identity.
• Historical Significance: Scene of two FIFA World Cup Finals – the 1950 final (Uruguay’s shock victory over Brazil in front of the largest crowd ever to watch a football match) and the 2014 final (Germany vs Argentina)Also the host of the 2016 Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies and football finals. Over the decades, it’s hosted numerous Copa Libertadores finals, Copa America finals (most recently in 2019), and other high-profile matches. The term “Maracanazo” has become part of football lore, referencing Brazil’s traumatic 1950 loss.
• Notable Matches: Apart from the 1950 and 2014 World Cup finals, the Maracanã’s memorable matches include the 1969 game where Pelé scored his 1,000th goal (penalty for Santos in front of a packed house), and the 1989 Copa America final where Brazil won at home for the first time. In 2019, it hosted the Copa America final (Brazil vs Peru). The Maracanã also regularly sees the Fla-Flu derby (Flamengo vs Fluminense), one of Brazil’s biggest rivalries, which in 1963 drew a crowd of 194,000. In essence, the Maracanã is not just one of the largest football stadiums by capacity – it’s one of the biggest in cultural impact, truly a top football stadium in the world by any measure.​

Honorable Mentions and Excluded Stadiums

It’s worth noting a few other massive football venues that just miss out on the top ten. Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany (capacity ~81,365 with standing terraces) is Europe’s next biggest club stadium and renowned for its electric Yellow Wall stand. Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (81,000) and Italy’s San Siro (75,000) are also huge and historic. Cairo International Stadium in Egypt (75,000) and Tehran’s Azadi Stadium (~78,000) are notable big stadiums that serve primarily football but also have running tracks. They, along with many U.S. college/NFL stadiums and cricket grounds, are sometimes listed among large stadiums but were excluded here if not chiefly used for soccer. Notably, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia (100,024 capacity) and the Rose Bowl in the USA (~88,600) are larger than many above, but since those are multi-sport venues not built mainly for football, we left them out of this football-focused ranking.

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Conclusion

These top 10 largest football stadiums in the world showcase the sport’s grandest stages – from the colossal Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang to the storied Maracanã in Rio. Each of these biggest football venues offers a unique blend of capacity, atmosphere, and history. Whether it’s hosting World Cup finals or weekly derby matches, these stadiums have become inseparable from the identity of football in their respective regions. They are where records are broken, legends are born, and fans unite in numbers that defy imagination. As football continues to grow, future renovations and new projects (like the New Camp Nou or upcoming World Cup constructions) may push capacities even further. But for now, the stadiums on this list stand as the giants of world football – true theaters of dreams for players and supporters alike.