Maracana
One of the most iconic sporting venues, the Maracana was erected ahead of the 1950 FIFA World Cup TM and has since played host to some of the most memorable moments in football history.
Did You Know?
- Didi scored the first goal in the stadium in a junior representative game between Rio and Sao Paulo two weeks before the official opening.
- Engineer Paulo Pinheiro Guedes managed the initial construction work and the official capacity of the Maracana when it opened was 183,000.
- Frank Sinatra, the Rolling Stones and Madonna all played at the Maracana. Pope John Paul II said two masses there on a visit to Brazil.
- The stadium opened with Brazil’s 4-0 win against Mexico in the 1950 finals, along with a 21-gun salute and the release of 5,000 pigeons.
- The ‘Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho’ name was chosen in honour of a famous Brazilian sports journalist. Maracana is a species of parrot.
Classic Stadiums
Centenario
Montevideo's Centenario ground was home to the first Final and Uruguayan glory.
Rose Bowl
The sun-drenched gridiron landmark played host to world football's best in 1994.
San Siro
Home to AC Milan and Inter, the San Siro has undergone its fair share of changes.
Santiago Bernabeu
Real Madrid's mythical home, the Bernabeu is the game's most regal court.
Estadio Azteca
The Azteca was home to two Finals and some of world football's best moments.
Maracana
Ambitious from the offing, the Maracana is Brazilian football's beating heart.
Wembley Stadium
London's Wembley Stadium is the spiritual home of English football.
Olympiastadion
Gerd Der Bomber Muller ran riot on his home patch and Munich's modern marvel.
Rasunda Stadium
The atmospheric Rasunda will always be linked to Pele's debut on the world stage.
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