30 most famous football stadiums

8) Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Capacity: 78,639

Opened: 1950

Tennant(s): Flamengo, Fluminense

A ring-shaped paragon of football stadia excellence, the Brazilian Maracaña came to its own just five games into use. The 1950 World Cup final against Uruguay, dubbed as ‘Marcanazo’ or ‘the big blow of Maracaña’, saw a world record 200,000 spectators flood the stadium only for the hosts to lose the prestigious match by virtue of goalkeeper Moacir Barbosa’s costly error; from that moment onwards Barbosa would be shunned and taunted everywhere he went.

Of course, since its 2013 renovation, its capacity is now limited to just shy of 80,000 but that doesn’t mean it’s any less daunting a stage to stand on. Some of Brazil’s finest outfits ply their trade here; Flamengo and Fluminense are the main tenants but Vasco da Gama and Botafogo have also hired it for the odd game.

7) Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico)

Capacity: 87,000

Opened: 1966

Tennant(s): Club América and Mexico National Team

The list of significant events to unfold at the Estadio Azteca is endless. From Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ in 1986 to Pele at his peak nearly thirty years prior, there is certainly something special about the Azteca’s dynamics that warrant its frequent hosting of such big occasions. The third biggest football stadium on the planet, and the only one to have hosted two official World Cup finals is currently amidst an intense renovation programme.

As well as playing a key role for football in the 1968 Olympics, the Azteca was also the venue for the ‘Game of the Century’ when Italy defeated Germany 4-3 after extra time back in a 1970 FIFA World Cup semi-final. The ground beneath it was formerly lava of the now doused ‘Xitle’ volcano; fortunately, the only eruptions to take place at the heart of Mexico now are those of the Club América fan base when their beloved side find the net.