The Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro
If you’re a football fan, visiting Maracanã is a must during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. Considered the Temple of Football, this stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Brazilians and fans worldwide. It’s where two FIFA World Cup finals took place—Brazil vs. Uruguay in 1950 and Argentina vs. Germany in 2014. For decades, Maracanã was the largest stadium in the world, and it still remains Brazil’s biggest and most iconic.
A Brief History of the Maracanã
Built for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, the stadium opened on June 16, 1950, under the name Estádio Municipal do Maracanã. In 1964, it was officially renamed Estádio Mário Filho in honor of a local journalist, but everyone still knows it simply as Maracanã.
Originally designed to hold nearly 200,000 spectators, safety concerns led to multiple renovations. After a tragic collapse in 1992 during a domestic match, capacity was reduced. Further modernizations—especially those required for the 2014 World Cup—brought it to today’s 78,838 seats, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience.
The Maracanã sports complex also includes:
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Olympic swimming pools
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Athletics tracks
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Maracanãzinho: a smaller indoor arena for volleyball, basketball, and futsal
Maracanã and FIFA World Cup Finals
1950 Final – Brazil vs. Uruguay: Over 170,000 fans watched in anticipation, only to witness a shocking 2-1 defeat that would be forever remembered as the Maracanazo.
2014 Final – Argentina vs. Germany: This time, Germany took the title with a 1-0 goal in extra time, breaking Argentinian hearts and marking another historical moment in the stadium.
Before that final, Brazil suffered another devastating loss on home soil: a 7-1 defeat against Germany in the semi-finals—an unforgettable chapter in World Cup history.
In 2021, the stadium once again made headlines, hosting the Copa América Final where Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0, thanks to a memorable goal by Ángel Di María.
How to Visit Maracanã
After years of partial closure following the 2016 Olympics, the stadium is now open again and ready to welcome fans and tourists.
You can take a guided tour, which includes:
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Press and VIP areas
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Luxury boxes with buffet services
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Locker rooms
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The players’ tunnel
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Access to the pitch
Inside the main hall, you’ll find:
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Tributes to football legends like Pelé and Garrincha
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Pelé’s 1,000th goal ball
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A souvenir shop and cafeteria for visitors
Today’s Maracanã is modern, safe, and fully renovated, making it a top destination for football enthusiasts from around the world.
Check activities available in Rio de Janeiro
We have a complete list of activities and excursions to enjoy Rio de Janeiro. One of these activities is the Carnival Experience, to learn more about the amazing Carnival of Rio de Janeiro
Other amazing activities in Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy our tours to visit Rio de Janeiro and other destinations in Brazil
Are you looking for tours to visit Rio de Janeiro and other destinations in Brazil? One of my favorites is the #453 – Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Iguazu Falls. Check more information by clicking in the image below
More tours to visit Rio de Janeiro and Brazil
We have a complete list of tours to visit Rio de Janeiro and other amazing destinations in Brazil. Check our complete list of tours for Brazil here
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