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Arguably the biggest stage in the history of sportsis the FIFA World Cup. Various stadiums across the globe had the honour of hosting a World Cup game.We look at some of the most iconic football stadiums used at FIFA World Cup, which the players regard as their hallowed turf.Note: The stadiums are not ranked in any particular order
#1 Stade de France
Opening: 1998 | Capacity: 81,338 | Country: France
The Stade de France is the national football stadium of France. It exhibits the open elegant architecture of the city Saint Denis. It was constructed to serve as the main venue of the 1998 World Cup. At that time, no stadium in France had a capacity of more than 45,000 and the tournament required more numbers to turn. It has a movable stand to uncover the athletics track keeping the stadiums utmost interest in Football.
The venue turned up to be a lucky one for the host nation, as France defeated the mighty Brazilians 3-0 in the finals of the 1998 World Cup. The stadium hosted a total of 9 matches in the same tournament. It also hosted two UEFA Champions league finals and is expected to be an important venue when 2016 Euro Cup is played in France.
#2 Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti
Opening: 1938 | Capacity: 67,432 | Country: Argentina
Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti was earlier known as El Monumental before getting its new name in the honour of Antonio Vespucio Liberti, who commenced its construction. It was the prime venue of the 1978 World Cup held in Argentina, hosting a total of 9 games including the final between Argentina and the Netherlands. 70,000 people attended the fascinating final, leaving much joy for the host nations; as they went on to clinch the World Cup trophy after extra time.
It is the largest stadium in Argentina with a capacity of more than 60,000. Historically, Colombia is the only team to ever beat Argentina in World Cup Qualifying matches in this stadium. This venue has also hosted four finals of the Copa America.
#3 Estadio Centenario
Opening: 1930 | Capacity: 65,235 | Country: Uruguay
The inaugural FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay in the year 1930. Estadio Centenario was specifically built for this tournament in a record time of nine months. Initially, all the games were to be played at this venue but due to heavy rainfall the construction was delayed and some of the games were shifted to much smaller grounds. In a dramatic turnaround in the finals, Argentina squandered a 2-1 lead to an impressive second half fight back from the host country. A delighted crowd of 93,000 supporters’s erupted after Uruguay won the final 4–2.
FIFA declared Estadio Centenario as "the only historical monument of World Football, the only building of its kind". Jules Rimet the 3rd President of FIFA referred Estadio Centenario as the "temple of football" for its unique environment. Uruguay playing in front of their home crowd at this venue has never been defeated by a European opponent. Even a team like Brazil has managed just 3 wins out of 20 matches. It has hosted four finals of the Copa America till now.
#4 Rose Bowl
Opening: 1922 | Capacity: 94,392 | Country: U.S.A
When USA hosted the football World Cup in 1994, Rose Bowl was the most used venue, hosting a total of 8 games including the all important final. Rose Bowl is also one of the two stadiums to have hosted the World Cup finals for both men in 1994 and women in 1999.The most enthralling match of the World Cup at this ground is the final of the 1994 World Cup, when for the first time in history, a final of the World Cup was decided on penalties. Brazil won it 3-2 on penalties against Italy, after the match ended 0-0 a.e.t.
Total attendance at this venue during the 1994 World Cup was 715,826. An Average attendance of 92,800 was registered, which is a record at any ground in a World Cup tournament.
#5 Estadio Azteca
Opening: 1966 | Capacity: 105,000 | Country: Mexico
The largest stadium in Mexico is also the only stadium in the world to have hosted two FIFA World Cup finals (1970 - Brazil 4-1 Italy and 1986 - Argentina 3-2 West Germany). 114,600 spectators watched the 1986 FIFA World Cup final which is still a record for the largest attendance in any knockout World Cup finals. It has hosted a total of 19 World Cup games.
This epic venue has witnessed both the famous and infamous goals, "Goal of the Century" and "Hand of God" by Maradona against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final .The list of historic events at this stadium doesn’t end there, as it also hosted the "Game of the Century", one of the semi finals of the 1970 World Cup, where Italy defeated West Germany 4-3 in extra time.
#6 Silverdome
Opening: 1975 | Capacity: 80,311 | Country: U.S.A
Another iconic stadium in America is the Silverdome.The 1994 FIFA World Cup edition hosted the first ever indoor World Cup match, a 1-1 draw between Switzerland and the host nation USA.
#7 Olympiastadion (Berlin)
Opening: 1936 | Capacity: 74,064 | Country: Germany
Not to be confused with Olympiastadion in Munich, which hosted the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final. This stadium in Berlin is equipped with latest technology that allows sunlight to pass during daylight through transparent panels. To its unique architecture, the western portion of the stadium is open to reveal the archaic Bell Tower.
So far, it has been used to host 9 World Cup games including the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France. This game also saw Zinedine Zidane playing for the last time for his country.
#8 Stadio Olimpico
Opening: 1953 | Capacity: 72,698 | Country: Italy
After Stadio Nazionale got demolished, Italy needed 5-star stadium to host the 1990 FIFA World Cup. The Italians invested huge amount in the renovation of Stadio Olimpico which resulted in a capacity of more than 70,000 seats.
This stadium hosted 6 games in the 1990 World Cup including the finals where West Germany defeated Argentina in a rematch of the previous World Cup final. The final match at this venue was the first ever instance where a player received a red card in a World Cup final.
#9 Santiago Bernabu
Opening: 1947 | Capacity: 81,044 | Country: Spain
The home ground of the World's most successful European Club, Real Madrid. Estadio Santiago Bernabéu has hosted numerous football tournament finals including the 1986 World Cup final between Italy and Germany. The Azzuire's won their third World Cup title and the only team after Brazil that had the rights to keep the World Cup Trophy.
#10 Estadio do Maracana
Opening: 1950 | Capacity: 78,838 | Country: Brazil
Maracana is officially known as Estadio Jornalista Mario Filho. It was built as the centre piece for the 1950 FIFA World Cup. The game that would’ve decided the outcome of the 1950 World Cup was played at this venue. Tournament favourites Brazil needed just a draw to lift their first World Cup, but it was Uruguay who emerged as champions after winning the game 2-1. This game at this venue recorded the largest ever attendance in any World Cup match. The tally was estimated around 200,000 while the official stats suggested 173,000.
Maracana will be hosting the finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and in doing so, it will join Estadio Azteca of Mexico to host the ultimate game twice, that will decide the World Champions.
#11 Wembley (Old)
Opening: 1923 | Closing: 2003 | Capacity: 82,000 | Country: U.K
Playing at Wembley was a dream come true for every football player in the world. When it got demolished in 2003, the English FA came up with another stadium with the same name. All though we have the new Wembley Stadium, it will take years to match the historic importance of the Old Wembley. England winning the 1966 World Cup in front of their home crowd is one of the most enthralling finals to date.
The Old Wembley hosted a total of 9 games in the 1966 World Cup.
