The 10 Largest Football Stadiums in the World (Soccer)

Football (or soccer in North America) is one of the world's most celebrated sports. From international football leagues to local teams, people around the world love football. With a huge fan following worldwide, it is necessary to build massive stadiums to attract avid spectators of the sport. Sports fans worldwide can flock by the thousands to visit these football stadiums since they are the largest in the world.

Rungrado 1st Of May Stadium - 114,000

The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. Also known as the May Day Stadium, this massive stadium can hold up to 114,000 seated patrons. Aside from its large number of seats, the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium encompasses over 1,300 rooms and 80 entrances spanning approximately 2,152,782 square feet of space. The stadium, designed after a parachute or flower, is complete with 16 arches to make up its roof, which is 197 feet from the ground.

Opened in 1989, North Korea's stadium hosted several important events throughout the decades, including North Korean football team games and the qualification round for the 2018 Asian Football Confederation Men's Under 23 Asian Cup (AFC U-23).

Michigan Stadium - 107,601

The Michigan Stadium in the US is the second largest football stadium in the world. Nicknamed "The Big House," the architectural marvel is in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan.

Constructed in 1927, the Michigan Stadium originally had a seating capacity of only 72,000 people. However, The Big House received 40,000 more seats during renovations in 2010. Though its official seating capacity is 107,601, it once hosted 115,109 attendants in 2013 for a football match between the University of Michigan and the University of Notre Dame!

The University of Michigan's American football team often plays its games at Michigan Stadium. However, the stadium also hosted games for lacrosse, the NHL, and football tournaments from the International Champions Cup (ICC). The Big House is also a venue for the university's spring commencement, movie nights, and wedding receptions.

Melbourne Cricket Ground - 100,024

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, established in 1853 in Melbourne, Australia, is also known as "The Ground," or simply "G". This historic stadium is an important part of Melbourne's history. The stadium is one the largest cricket stadiums in the world, with the capacity to hold about 100,024 people. The capacity includes 95,000 seats and approximately 5,000 spaces for standing room. Today, the G is a popular venue for international cricket games, tennis, football, and rugby.

However, this iconic cricket stadium hosted several athletic events throughout the centuries, including the 1956 Olympic Games, the 1992 World Cup final, and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is also a popular venue for international museums and influential figures. Over the years, artists like U2, Paul McCartney, Madonna, and Pope John Paull II performed their talents in front of huge crowds at the G.

Camp Nou - 99,354

Located in Barcelona, Spain, Camp Nou was constructed in 1955. Two years later, in 1957, Camp Nou opened to the public, hosting its first game between Barcelona and Warsaw in front of 90,000 people! Today, this football stadium is the largest of its kind in Europe, capable of seating 99,354 people. However, before seating and standing restrictions came into place, Camp Nou once held 120,000 people during a match at the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

The stadium serves as FC Barcelona's official home and as a venue for other athletic events. Besides hosting the 1982 FIFA World Cup, Camp Nou also held the Spain and Poland match during the 1992 Olympic games.

First National Bank Stadium - 94,807

The First National Bank (FNB) Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa goes by several nicknames, including Soccer City. The stadium is also named "The Calabash," due to its resemblance to an African-style pot or gourd. Built between 1986 and 1989, The Calabash could only hold 80,000 people within its space. However, in 2009 that the stadium upgraded its seat capacity to around 95,000 for the sake of the World Cup.

South Africa's national football team and the South African Premier League team, the Kaizer Chiefs, often play their games at the FNB Stadium. In the past, Soccer City staged events such as the opening ceremonies (and several games) of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations in 1966 and 2013.

Wembley Stadium - 90,000

Known as the national stadium of England, Wembley Stadium sits in London. Though it is the only seventh-largest football stadium in the world, it is the largest sports venue in the UK at a 90,000-seat capacity. It is also the second-largest stadium in Europe next to Camp Nou.

Rebuilt in 2007, the stadium is massive, complete with a sliding roof to protect attendees from the elements. Wembley also contains a tall arch that spans about 436 feet at the north stand, which is easily visible across London. Additionally, for patron's leisure, Wembley Stadium has 34 bars, 8 restaurants, and 688 food and beverage services!

Hailed as the headquarters of English football, the Wembley Stadium staged several international athletic events, including the 1966 World Cup Final, the 1948 Summer Olympics, and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Rose Bowl - 87,565

The Rose Bowl, one of the largest stadiums in the US, is in Pasadena, California. It was originally built in 1922 and celebrated its 100-year birthday in 2022. As the second-oldest stadium on this list and a recognized National Historic Landmark, the Rose Bowl has a long history. The stadium was the host venue for the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final, the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, and the 1984 Olympic Soccer Gold Medal Match. Expanding over the years, the Rose Bowl currently has a capacity of 87,565 fans.

Estadio Azteca - 87,523

Located in Mexico City, the Estadio Azteca is one of the largest sports stadiums in the world with a current capacity of 87,523. Constructed in 1962 and opened in 1966, Spanish, English, French, and Italian stadium styles influenced the Estadio Azteca's design. In recent years, the stadium evolved with the times to include additions such as ground-level suites, jumbotrons, and a tracking camera to cover the field during matches.

In the past, Estadio Azteca staged events such as the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cup final matches. In 2026, it will also host the 2026 FIFA World Cup games. Today, it serves as the headquarters of Mexico's national football team, El Tri, as well as Club America, the local team.

Bukit Jalil National Stadium - 87,411

Avid football (and sports) fans can find the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in the National Sports Complex. Constructed in 1995, this stadium spans about 3,775,150 square feet and includes 20 corporate suites for events and meetings.

Boasting a seating capacity of 87,411, the Malaysian National football team often plays its games at this huge stadium. However, Bukit Jalil also serves as a multi-purpose venue, hosting sporting events like the 1998 Commonwealth Games, the 2003 FA Premier League Asia Cup, and the 2017 Southeast Asian Games. It is also a concert venue, hosting musical concerts for artists such as Ed Sheeran and JJ Lin.

Borg El Arab Stadium - 86,000

To find the Borg El Arab Stadium, sports fans must head to the Mediterranean Sea port city of Alexandria, Egypt. Also known as the El-Geish Stadium, the Borg El Arab Stadium is one of the largest football stadiums in the world, boasting a seating capacity of 86,000. Originally built as a project during its bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it officially opened its doors in 2006.

Egypt's largest stadium is just outside of the city of Alexandria. The stadium includes a parking lot that can hold 5,000 vehicles and 200 buses. It is equipped with 136 electronic entrances, whereby allowing 800 people to enter through them per minute. The gigantic stadium also comes with 39 cafeterias and an on-site hotel that can accommodate up to 200 guests!

The largest football stadiums in the world are not just architectural marvels. Alternatively, these venues bring sports fans together during an intense football match. From Michigan Stadium to the Estadio Azteca, avid football fans can unite in stadiums to enjoy the thrills of the game.