Football in Rio de Janeiro for visitors

Watching a match in Rio is one of the most memorable experiences the city offers. The main stage is the Maracanã.

The Maracanã

Opened on June 16, 1950 for the World Cup, it was the largest stadium in the world at the time, according to Wikipedia. It has hosted the Maracanaço (Brazil 1–2 Uruguay, in 1950), Pelé’s thousandth goal, the 2014 World Cup final and the ceremonies of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Since 2019 it has been run by Flamengo and Fluminense, which play their home games there.

The big clubs and their stadiums

• Flamengo and Fluminense: play at the Maracanã. The derby between them is the Fla-Flu; the 1963 Carioca championship final drew 194,603 people, according to Wikipedia.
• Vasco da Gama: plays at São Januário, opened on April 21, 1927, then the largest stadium in South America, according to Wikipedia. Its neo-colonial facade is heritage-listed.
• Botafogo: plays at the Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium, in Engenho de Dentro.

How to see a match

1. Buy tickets only through the home club’s official channels.
2. Choose the sections recommended for visitors and families.
3. Travel there and back by metro or train: the Maracanã has a metro station at its door. See getting around Rio.
4. Carry little, bring ID and keep your phone out of sight. Follow the safety guide.

Maracanã stadium tour

The official portal (maracana.rio.br) sells guided tours of the stadium. Confirm days and times there before you go.