When discussing football, the biggest stadiums in the world come to mind, thanks to their massive capacities that run into tens or hundreds of thousands.
These expansive structures are not merely event venues; they are architectural marvels that have everything it takes to host major tournaments. Some have hosted the FIFA World Cup, while others have been used as Olympic venues or Europe's biggest stages on Champions League nights.
Ostensibly, the world's biggest stadiums serve as vital platforms for sports and entertainment. With that, their reputation as premier locations in the world of sports is undisputed.
Read further to find out which of the biggest stadiums in the world have made it to this top 20 list by Football Ground Guide.
Top 20 biggest football stadiums in the world
We could have settled on any big stadium worldwide, but our list is based on extensive research and fact-finding. Below, we present the 20 biggest football stadiums in the world.
Before we explore each of the biggest stadiums in the world in this post, here is a map showing their locations.
20. Japan National Stadium
- Location: Shinjuku, Japan
- Opened:2019
- Seating Capacity: 80,000
- Construction Cost: €1.3 billion
Japan National Stadium was designed by architect Kengo Kuma and built for €1.3 billion. The multi-purpose venue, mostly used for football matches, was constructed ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. It was the main venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Today, the Japan National Stadium is one of the biggest stadiums in the world and has hosted some important matches in recent years. For example, in March 2024, the stadium hosted a World Cup Qualifier match between Japan and North Korea. The hosts won it. Japan have also hosted Brazil, Uruguay and Thailand at the National Stadium for friendly fixtures.
19. Stade des Martyrs
- Location: Kinshasa, Congo
- Opened: 1994
- Seating Capacity: 80,000
- Construction Cost: €35.2 million
Stade des Martyrs, originally named Stade Kamanyola, is the National Stadium in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With a seating capacity of 80,000, it is one of the biggest football venues in the world and also in Africa. It is also the biggest stadium in the DRC and home to the national football team.
The venue is also home to two teams in the Congolese local league, Vita Club and Daring Club Motema Pembe. In addition to football, Stade des Martyrs has served as a concert venue, hosting various national artists and events.
18. Beijing National Stadium
- Location: Beijing, China
- Opened: 2008
- Seating Capacity: 80,000
- Construction Cost: €397 million
Designed to host the 2008 Olympics, the Beijing National Stadium is one of the biggest stadiums in the world today. The venue covers 204,000 square metres and boasts a seating capacity of 80,000.
The stadium was constructed for 397 million Euros, making it one of the most expensive football stadiums in the world. It also featured an all-weather running track and at least 11,000 temporary seats, which usually pushed its maximum capacity to 91,000.
17. Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium
- Location: Hangzhou, China
- Opened: 2018
- Seating Capacity: 80,800
- Construction Cost: €313 million
The Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre in China is one of the biggest football stadiums in the world, with a capacity of 80,000. Completed in 2018, it primarily hosts football matches. Notable events held at this venue include the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games, both of which took place in 2022.
16. Luzhniki Stadium
- Location: Moscow, Russia
- Opened:1956
- Seating Capacity: 81,000
- Construction Cost: €350 million
Luzhniki Stadium, over half a century old, is ranked among the biggest football stadiums in the world. Located in Moscow, Russia, it was constructed for 350 million and has undergone several renovations over the years. The stadium has an impressive capacity of 80,000, with a record attendance recorded in October 1963 when the Soviet Union hosted Italy.
Luzhniki Stadium is not only owned by the Moscow government but also the biggest football venue in Russia. It was one of the stadiums used during the 2018 FIFA World Cup and hosted the final match between France and Croatia, where France emerged victorious with a score of 4-2.
In addition to World Cup matches, Luzhniki Stadium has hosted other significant football events, including the UEFA Cup final between Marseille and Parma in 1999 and the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea in 2008.
15. Stade de France
- Location: Saint-Denis, France
- Opened: 1998
- Seating Capacity: 81,338
- Construction Cost: €364m
Stade de France, constructed in preparation for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, serves as a prominent venue for major sporting events in France. It was the site of the tournament's opening and final matches and has since hosted three UEFA Champions League finals (in 2000, 2006, and 2022) as well as three Rugby World Cup finals (in 1999, 2007, and 2023). Additionally, it is slated to feature athletics events during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
A distinctive aspect of the Stade de France is its innovative movable stand, designed to accommodate both football and athletics. This feature allows the stadium to reveal an athletics track while maintaining an optimal viewing experience for spectators during football matches, bringing fans closer to the action.
Despite its significance as a football venue, no professional football club plays its home games at the Stade de France. Paris Saint-Germain opted to remain at the Parc des Princes and declined the opportunity to relocate there upon the stadium's completion.
With a seating capacity of 80,000, the Stade de France is recognised as France's national stadium and ranks among the biggest football stadiums in the world. Its construction, which lasted nearly three years from June 2, 1995, to January 28, 1998, was led by architects Michel Macary, Michel Regembal, and Aymeric Zublena.
In addition to hosting Champions League finals, the stadium also serves as a venue for various other sports events and concerts.
14. Signal Iduna Park
- Location: Dortmund, Germany
- Opened: 1974
- Seating Capacity: 81,365
- Construction Cost: €200 million in 2006
Signal Iduna Park is the home of German outfit Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund are undoubtedly one of the top European clubs, and the 81,365-capacity Signal Iduna adds to that flair.
As one of the stadiums that hosted the 1974 World Cup, Signal Iduna Park has become a big brand name in modern football. The stands are very close to the pitch, creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams and fans. With that, Signal Iduna Park has one of the best football atmospheres in the world.
The ground is also home to the largest free-standing stand among European stadiums, as it can hold 25,000 spectators. This stand is also nicknamed the ‘Yellow Wall’.
Unlike most stadiums in Europe, which have eliminated standing spaces, Signal Iduna Park still offers fans the option of purchasing stand-only tickets.
Over the years, several modifications to the stadium have reduced its original capacity and standing areas have been reduced to seated rows. As one of the biggest football stadiums in the world, Signal Iduna Park hosted several games during the 1974 and 2006 World Cups.
While this is slightly lower on our list, the presence of standing fans certainly creates a unique vibe. We hope things remain this way in the future.
Signal Iduna Park was also among the Euro 2024 stadiums, including the semi-final match between the Netherlands and England. The Three Lions defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in the encounter at the iconic venue.
13. Jakarta International Stadium
- Location: North Jakarta, Indonesia
- Opened: 2022
- Seating Capacity: 82,000
- Construction Cost: $312m
The home ground of Persija Jakarta and the semi-regular home of Indonesia’s national side, this 82,000-capacity ground is the largest football-specific arena in Asia.
Furthermore, it's the biggest football stadium in the world with a retractable roof and the second-largest stadium of any kind with a retractable roof, behind the Texas AT&T Stadium.
The ground hosted 16 matches at the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup.
With a construction cost of $312 million, Jakarta International Stadium is one of the most expensive football facilities in Asia. In addition, it boasts the largest retractable roof in Asia and the second largest in the world, following Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu.
12. Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
- Location: 1947
- Opened: Madrid, Spain
- Seating Capacity: 83,186
- Construction Cost: €1.7 million (but recent renovation costs have soared to $1.5bn)
A desire to increase seating capacity and make stadiums even more welcoming has seen many football clubs embark on ambitious redevelopment projects.
With that, another ground to undergo a significant renovation in recent times is the home of Real Madrid. The venue remains imposing in size and appearance, but now with an added spaceship-style exterior.
The Bernabeu, named after a former club president, has hosted four European Cup/UEFA Champions League finals (1957, 1969, 1980, 2010), the 2018 Copa Libertadores final, the 1964 European Championship final, and the 1984 World Cup final.
It is Spain's second-largest stadium, and Real Madrid have played at the Bernabeu since 1947.
Moreover, Los Blancos' home ground is highly ranked among venues that have hosted UEFA Champions League fixtures. A match at the Santiago Bernabeu always feels different, especially on European and El Clásico nights.
11. Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti
- Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Opened: 1938
- Seating Capacity: 83,198
- Construction Cost: $3m (initial construction, several renovations since)
The home of Argentinian giants River Plate, the iconic El Monumental hosted the 1978 World Cup final and four Copa America finals, most recently in 2011.
It is at this venue that Argentina won their first World Cup. Notable South American tournaments such as the Copa Libertadores and World Cup qualifiers have also been played at the River Plate stadium.
Recent renovations have removed the athletics track and expanded its capacity to over 83,000.
10. Stadium Australia
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Opened: 1999
- Seating Capacity: 83,500
- Construction Cost: A$690m
Currently known as the Accor Stadium for sponsorship reasons, Stadium Australia was built ahead of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. It was opened in March 1999 with a rugby league double-header, which attracted 104,583 supporters.
After the Olympics, the stadium was reconfigured, reducing its capacity to 80,000, but it remains one of the biggest football stadiums in the world.
As the largest ‘soccer’ stadium in Australia, this ground hosts crucial matches for the Socceroos, the Australian national football team. Furthermore, Sydney FC have played several fixtures at the ground, normally exhibition matches against foreign opponents. The A-League All-Stars have done the same.
In 2023, Stadium Australia hosted five matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, including the opening fixture and the final.
The ground is a multi-sports venue that hosts rugby league, rugby union, cricket, Aussie rules football, motorsports, American football, and music concerts.
The Bee Gees were the first to perform there, with AC/DC, U2, Bon Jovi, Eminem, Taylor Swift, Guns N’ Roses, Adele, Justin Bieber, the Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Harry Styles and The Weekend following. Coldplay is scheduled to play here in 2024.
9. Borg El-Arab Stadium
- Location: Borg El Arab, Egypt
- Opened: 2009
- Seating Capacity: 86,000
- Construction Cost: €200 million in 2006
This is the third-biggest football stadium in Africa and sits behind only the FNB Stadium in terms of total capacity. It's also behind the New Administrative Capital Stadium, which hasn't yet hosted a game.
Until the latter is officially opened, the 86,000-capacity Borg El-Arab Stadium is by a comfortable margin the largest in Egypt.
Unlike many other stadiums of its kind, it has been air-conditioned in many places so that the extreme weather conditions in this part of the world are combated with great efficiency. The designers have put in a massive effort to ensure that the stadium offers every type of facility, including two sub-stadiums with a capacity of 2,000 spectators.
The Egyptian national football team calls Borg El-Arab Stadium its home. Recently, this stadium made history by being the venue from which Egypt qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1990. In addition to a football pitch, Borg El-Arab Stadium features running tracks and other facilities necessary for the Olympic Games.
You can imagine the excitement in the stadium when players like Mohamed Salah take to the field to represent the Egyptian national team. When filled with fans, the atmosphere is electric. However, seats in the shade are highly sought after due to the intense heat in this region.
8. Bukit Jalil National Stadium
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Opened: 1998
- Seating Capacity: 87,411
- Construction Cost: RM800 million
The Malaysian national football team may not be high on the FIFA rankings, but that does not stop the national it from having one of the biggest football stadiums in the world.
The Bukit Jalil National Stadium, built for RM800 million, is a colossus that can hold more than 87,000 spectators. It is the biggest football stadium of its kind in Southeast Asia. Therefore, it is not surprising that it has hosted many other events besides the national team's matches.
The Bukit Jalil National Stadium has hosted the Commonwealth Games, Southeast Asian Games, and more. This multisport venue has a roof and is largely constructed of reinforced concrete. Despite being relatively new, major renovation works have already been carried out, bringing in much-needed features like new facilities and LED lighting.
More features are in the works, such as retractable seats, retractable roofs, and lifestyle facilities will also be included in the stadium as part of the upcoming renovation works.
As you can probably tell from the photo, this stadium is quite high, too, so with the retractable roof in full flow, it must be incredibly loud, vibrant, and awesome to play in. As stated before, Malaysia isn't a prestigious footballing nation, but since this is one of the largest stadiums in the world, we imagine it is intimidating for travelling teams!
7. Estadio Azteca
- Location: Mexico City, Mexico
- Opened: 1966
- Seating Capacity: 87,525
- Construction Cost: MXN$260 million
An iconic image in Mexico City would be the Estadio Azteca, the home turf of the Mexican national team, Cruz Azul, and Club América. One of the major reasons behind the stadium being steeped in history is the prestige of hosting two World Cup finals – 1970 and 1986.
This stadium also witnessed one of the iconic moments in world football when Diego Maradona scored the infamous ‘Hand of God' goal against England in the 1986 World Cup.
Estadio Azteca is also widely regarded for hosting the game between Italy and West Germany in 1970. This encounter is considered the ‘Game of the Century’, and it witnessed Italy coming out on top with a 4-3 score after extra time.
Estadio Azteca can add more feathers to its proverbial cap, considering it is in line to host games at the World Cup 2026. Apart from the World Cup, Estadio Azteca has also been the destination for the Summer Olympics and the Women's World Cup in the past.
The stadium has not shown its age even now, as frequent renovation works have consistently added new features such as LED panels and new leisure spaces. Recently, the addition of executive boxes has reduced the capacity to 87,000. However, it remains one of the biggest football stadiums in the world.
If you were to contemplate visiting any stadium in Mexico, this one would rank highly on the list, for all the reasons previously mentioned. It’s a holy place for football in Mexico, and since it has hosted so many prestigious games in the past, the Estadio Azteca isn’t only one of the biggest, it’s one of the most iconic stadiums on this list.
6. Wembley Stadium
- Location: London, England
- Opened: 2007
- Seating Capacity: 90,000
- Construction Cost: £789 million in 2007
Wembley, the “home of football,” is the home stadium of the England national football team. Costing £800 million, it was first opened in 2007, and its 90,000-capacity was a sight to behold even then.
While the eye-watering fee was controversial at the time, the former Wembley Stadium, which opened in 1923, had been showing its age for a long time. Anyone lucky enough to visit the old Wembley will remember it as an iconic stadium. However, the new Wembley is a very special stadium.
Wembley isn't just the home of the England national football team, however. As analysed by William Hill's research team, 38% of cup finals here see goals after the 80th minute, making it a graveyard for pre-match bets and a paradise for live punters.
It’s this drama that cements its status as the home of all domestic cup finals. From the National League playoff finals to the FA Cup and League Cup finals.
One downside to Wembley hosting all England fixtures is that fans not in London miss out on seeing England play in grounds around the country. Interestingly, the England women's team also plays at other venues.
The stadium holds 90,000 under a non-retractable roof, making it the biggest of its category. Wembley has also hosted a couple of UEFA Champions League finals and the UEFA Euro 2020 final, in which Italy beat hosts England. Wembley is among the selected venues for Euro 2028.
5. Lusail Stadium
- Location: Lusail, Qatar
- Opened: 2021
- Seating Capacity: 88,966
- Construction Cost: Unknown
The second-largest football stadium used in recent times, which hosted the 2022 World Cup, will soon have its capacity reduced from 88,966 to 40,000.
The Lusail Stadium hosted the 2022 World Cup final, six group stage games, and a fixture in each of the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals.
The construction of the ground came under scrutiny with investigations from several media outlets that alleged thousands of migrant workers had died during the construction of World Cup venues in Qatar.
4. New Administrative Capital Stadium
- Location: New Administrative Capital, Egypt
- Opened: 2019
- Seating Capacity: 93,940
- Construction Cost: £40bn (total cost of sports complex – exact stadium cost unknown)
The New Administrative Capital Stadium was designed by the Italian architects SHESA Architects and MJW Structures, the same companies that designed Juventus Stadium and Cameroon’s Paul Biya Stadium.
While the name might be uninspiring for some, the design is impressive and is based on the headdress of the ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti. A capacity of 93,940, notwithstanding, it is now one of the biggest football stadiums in the world.
The stadium is part of a larger sports complex that also includes a training ground, indoor halls, and an Olympic swimming pool. This construction project is part of Egypt's bid for the 2030 World Cup and the 2036 Olympic Games.
3. FNB Stadium
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Opened: 1989
- Seating Capacity: 94,736
- Construction Cost: $440 million
The FNB Stadium is the largest of its kind in Africa, and it primarily hosts rugby union and football matches. It can be quite intimidating, given its size. The ground has been utilised for various purposes in the past, but it is best known for hosting the 2010 World Cup final match between the Netherlands and Spain.
The FNB Stadium is also the home ground for the South African national team, and it hosts the home games of domestic outfit Kaizer Chiefs.
The stadium is also quite special because it featured Nelson Mandela's last public appearance. Although the stadium has been in existence since 1987, the major renovation work undertaken in 2010 for the World Cup introduced several new features, including executive suites, a new roof, floodlights, and updated changing rooms.
Apart from hosting the World Cup games, the FNB Stadium has also excelled at hosting the Africa Cup of Nations games.
Coming in at number three, it’s already quite clear that the FNB Stadium is one of the best among the biggest football stadiums in the world, but the sheer size and aesthetics aren’t the star of the show, in our opinion. When you look back at games played here for the 2010 World Cup, the atmosphere was just incredible, with the now-infamous vuvuzelas echoing all over the stadium.
2. Camp Nou
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Opened: 1957
- Seating Capacity: 99,354
- Construction Cost: €1.73 billion
Camp Nou is the home of FC Barcelona and is distinguished as one of the biggest football stadiums in the world. It is easily the largest in Spain, with a capacity of almost 100,000. A renovated Camp Nou will have an increased capacity of 105,000.
This is an impressive feat for an all-seater stadium. Over the years, the ground has hosted every conceivable major tournament or game. It has hosted games at the World Cup and European Championship, the UEFA Champions League finals, and the Summer Olympics, which the city of Barcelona hosted in 1992.
The iconic venue, which has never had a roof, offers a stunning view of the entire city and is currently undergoing major renovations. That leaves FC Barcelona playing elsewhere. Camp Nou will have a roof and an even larger capacity when the renovations are complete.
1. Rungrado 1st of May Stadium
- Location: Pyongyang, North Korea
- Opened: 1989
- Seating Capacity: 114,000
- Construction Cost: Unknown
The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, located in Pyongyang, North Korea, holds the distinction of being the largest football stadium in the world. Spanning nearly 21 hectares, it serves as the home ground for the North Korean national football team and hosts a variety of other events.
Opened in 1989, this stadium is notable for its striking roof, which features 16 concrete arches designed to evoke a lotus blossom, though they also resemble a parachute. The stadium boasts an impressive capacity of at least 115,000 spectators; however, some estimates suggest that the actual number of attendees it can accommodate may be higher.
The construction of the stadium was, in part, a reaction to South Korea's development of the Seoul Olympic Stadium, showcasing North Korea's desire to make a bold statement. The exact cost of the stadium remains unknown.
Situated on Rungra Island, the stadium rises eight stories and covers an expansive area of 207,000 square meters. Its name commemorates its opening date, which coincides with May Day in 1989.
Fun facts about the biggest stadium in the world
More than £5 billion in construction costs
When we adjust the listed prices for inflation, the total cost of the top 20 biggest football stadiums in the world exceeds £5 billion, possibly even more. These staggering costs are just one aspect; we must also consider the extensive man-hours required to construct such stadiums.
Capacities used to be much larger
Our younger readers won’t be overly familiar with this. Believe it or not, the biggest football stadiums in the world used to host many more spectators than they do now, as safety measures were introduced to restrict standing viewing following several disasters. Quite a few of them had capacities greater than 100,000 before these changes were introduced.
Wembley is best if you need a bathroom.
Of all the interesting facts we could come up with about the biggest football stadiums in the world, Wembley is rather intriguing. If you’ve been to a football game before, you’ll likely know the ‘bathroom rush’ at half-time, and many people have struggled with this in the past. However, at Wembley, this ground has the most toilets of any other building in the world – perfect to avoid the half-time rush.
Rungrado Stadium could have a capacity greater than 150,000
The strange thing about this one is that while we’ve listed the capacity at 114,000, nobody truly knows the exact figures! North Korea is notorious for secrecy, and unless you’ve been to watch a game here, you wouldn’t know how things look on the inside or how the seating arrangements are.
Other huge stadiums which have hosted football
While the above 20 stadiums regularly host football matches, others occasionally host ‘soccer' games, but were not built or designed for that purpose. These include:
The Rose Bowl
- Location: Pasadena, United States
- Opened: 1922
- Seating Capacity: 95,542
- Construction cost: $272,198; ($4.95 million in 2023)
It is not a secret that Americans are fans of big stadiums, and it is easy to come across behemoths in college football and NFL competitions.
Despite opening in the 1920s, the stadium started becoming a landmark in the world of football when it hosted the World Cup games in 1994. Since then, many clubs have used this ground as their host, with the LA Galaxy being the most prominent tenant in recent years.
One common trait that the Rose Bowl shares with some of the biggest football stadiums in the world and many others in the United States is its lack of a roof, which contributed to an immense view when Brazil and Italy played each other in the World Cup 1994 final.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Location: East Melbourne, Australia
- Opened: 1853
- Seating Capacity: 100,024
- Construction Cost: $150 million in 1992 and $460 million in 2006
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the most iconic sporting venues and ranks among the largest football stadiums in the world. As its name implies, it primarily serves as a cricket ground; however, it frequently hosts exhibition football matches as well as some World Cup qualifying events.
Since the MCG has existed for a long time, constant renovation work has been conducted to keep it in tune with modern demands. The last major renovation took place in 2006, and it cost a sum of money that many new stadiums would baulk at.
What are the largest stadiums in the world? (not just football)
Now, if we look beyond football, here is another list of other stadiums worldwide. Note that some of these are multi-purpose venues.
- Narendra Modi Stadium – 132,000
- Rungrado 1st of May Stadium – 114,000
- Michigan Stadium – 107,601
- Beaver Park – 106,572
- Kyle Field – 102,733
- Ohio Stadium – 102,780
- Tiger Stadium – 102,321
- Neyland Stadium – 101,915
- Darrel K Royal Memorial Stadium – 100,119
- Bryant-Denny Stadium – 100,077
- Melbourne Cricket Ground – 100,024
- Camp Nou – 99,354
- FNB Stadium – 94,736
- New Administrative Capital Stadium – 93,940
- Sanford Stadium – 92,746
- Lusail Stadium – 92,349
- Cotton Bowl – 92,100
- Rose Bowl – 90,888
- Wembley Stadium – 90,000
- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium – 88,548
- Jordan-Hare Stadium – 88,043
- Estadio Azteca – 87,525
- Bukit Jalil National Stadium – 87,411
- Memorial Stadium – 86,047
- Borg El-Arab Stadium – 86,000
- Stadium Australia – 83,500
- Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti – 83,198
- Estadio Santiago Bernabeu – 83,186
- MetLife Stadium – 82,500
- Croke Park – 82,300
- Jakarta International Stadium – 82,000
- Twickenham Stadium – 82,000
- Memorial Stadium – 81,500
- Lambeau Field – 81,441
- Signal Iduna Park – 81,365
- Stade de France – 81,338
- Luzhniki Stadium – 81,000
- Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium – 80,800
- Shah Alam Stadium – 80,372
- Camp Randall Stadium – 80,321
The biggest stadiums in the USA
Apart from the Major League Soccer, which has seen some breathtaking stadium developments in the USA, co-hosting the 2026 World Cup means we should expect even more major stadium development in the country, including the renovation of some existing grounds.
With that, here are the current biggest stadiums in the USA.
The Rose Bowl
A capacity of 92,542 makes the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California, the biggest in MLS and the USA. The stadium was opened in 1922 and is a historical landmark in the country. The construction cost of the stadium is an estimated $272 million.
Rose Bowl Stadium was one of the venues that hosted the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches. Most importantly, it is a potential 2026 FIFA World Cup venue when the U.S.A. will co-host the biggest football tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The second-largest football stadium in the USA is the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which has a capacity of 75,000. Opened in 2017, this modern venue is known for its unique design and state-of-the-art facilities. It replaced the Georgia Dome and serves as the home ground for the MLS team Atlanta United F.C.
Construction of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium began in May 2014 and took three years to complete, with an estimated cost of $1.99 billion. This makes it one of the most expensive football venues in the world.
The stadium hosted several matches during the 2025 Club World Cup, including the quarter-final match between PSG and Bayern Munich, where PSG emerged victorious with a score of 2-0.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host some 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, including one of the semi-finals, one of the round of 16 clashes, and several group stage games.
Gillette Stadium
Next on our list of the biggest football stadiums in the USA is the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. A capacity of 68,756 makes it the third-biggest soccer venue in the country. However, despite its size, Gillette Stadium was not used during the 2025 Club World Cup.
Gillette Stadium was opened in 2002, following a two-year construction period for $325 million. It is home ground to the New England Revolution and will be used during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It will be temporarily known as Boston Stadium, with six matches set to be staged at the venue.
Levi's Stadium
Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, is another huge venue for soccer in the USA. While this ground is not home to any MLS team, it has hosted several high-profile matches in the division, as well as several NFL fixtures.
Levi's Stadium was opened in 2014 after two years of construction at an estimated cost of $1.3 billion, so it ranks highly among the most expensive football stadiums in the world. The ground's capacity is 68.500 and is one of the newest venues set to be used to host 2026 World Cup matches.
Lumen Field
CenturyLink Field is the current home ground for the Seattle Sounders and the fifth-largest football stadium in the USA. The football ground has a capacity of 68,749 and boasts a rich history of hosting some of the biggest sporting events in the USA. After more than four years of construction at an estimated cost of $430 million, Lumen Stadium was opened in July 2002.
Lumen Field is another venue that has hosted FIFA Club World Cup matches, further cementing its place among the world's largest stadiums. In 2026, the stadium will be used to host FIFA World Cup matches.
Counting down to June 15, 2026…#WeAreSeattle https://t.co/yBNASxAciN
— Lumen Field (@LumenField) February 4, 2024
Soldier Field
Soldier Field in Illinois is the home stadium of the MLS team, Chicago Fire, and is one of the largest stadiums in the United States. It also serves as the home field for the NFL team, the Chicago Bears. In the U.S., it is common for stadiums to host both soccer and NFL games, which can lead to variations in capacity depending on the sport.
As of 2015, Soldier Field was valued at $1.08 billion, which includes both the original construction cost of $13 million and subsequent renovation expenses. The stadium initially had a maximum capacity of 66,944, but this number has been reduced over the years to 62,500.
In 1994, Soldier Field was one of the venues that hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup, with the stadium holding five matches in total. The highest attendance during the 1994 FIFA World Cup at Soldier Field was recorded when Germany played against Bolivia, with the Bavarians winning 1-0 in front of 63,117 spectators.
Other significant football events held at Soldier Field include the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, during which four matches were staged at the venue. Additionally, the stadium hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup matches in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
Notable missing grounds
There are some iconic football stadiums known for their size that you think might be missing from this list of the biggest football stadiums in the world. Well, here's what you need to know.
San Siro is the 43rd biggest sporting stadium in the world. The home of Inter Milan and AC Milan holds 80,018, meaning it sits just behind those listed above. The venue is Giuseppe Mezza because he played for both teams, currently using San Siro as their home stadium. Most importantly, it is the largest stadium in Italy.
The AT&T Stadium, a potential host of the 2026 World Cup final, is ranked 45th on the list. The stadium has a retractable roof and currently serves as the home ground for the NFL side, the Dallas Cowboys.
Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana Stadium is the 51st-biggest.
Old Trafford is the 63rd-biggest stadium in the world. With a now-reduced capacity of around 73,000, the home of Manchester United needs renovation.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena is the world's 64th-biggest stadium.
After reading our article on the biggest football stadiums in the world, don't hesitate to look at our other articles, such as this one on the best football prediction site in the world.
Fun facts about the biggest stadium in the world
From the most attended football matches on the planet to exciting upcoming stadium projects, we explore some fun facts about the biggest stadiums in the world below.
- The Hassan II Stadium, located in the Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco, is expected to be one of the largest stadiums in the world once completed. With a capacity of 115,000 seats, it will rival the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, for the title of the largest stadium. The Hassan II Stadium is poised to become a masterpiece of stadium architecture, noting that Populus, a global architectural firm, has collaborated with Oualou + Choi to bring this ambitious project to life.
- King Salman International Stadium is an upcoming venue currently under construction in Saudi Arabia. It is specifically being built to host the 2034 World Cup and is expected to be completed by 2029. The stadium will serve as the headquarters for the national football team and will become one of the largest football stadiums in the world, with a seating capacity of 92,000.
- Flamengo F.C. has acquired land for their future stadium, which will have a capacity of 80,000. The club recently released artistic renderings of the proposed New Flamengo Stadium, which is set to become one of the largest football venues in the world. Construction of the new stadium is expected to be completed by 2029.
All-seater vs non-all-seater football stadiums
From a definitive standpoint, an all-seater stadium is one in which all spectators are provided with a seat, and there is no standing room in such venues.
On the other hand, a non-all-seater stadium allows room for standing, in which case, safe standing zones become a perfect example. In the UK, standing areas in football stadiums are known as terraces. However, stadium disasters such as Hillsborough forced most top-flight leagues to emphasise all-seater stadiums until recently, when clubs started reintroducing the concept.
Nearly all English Premier League clubs and Championship clubs have now embraced the return of standing zones. It is worth noting that following a review by the UK government, modern standing zones in stadiums are safer.
Moreover, apart from increased ticket revenues, the stadium atmosphere has been seen to improve with the availability of standing zones.
Interestingly, non-all-seater stadiums also tend to give spectators a better view of the action on the pitch than the experience you get on all-seater venues.
Future large stadiums in development
The world is never short of new stadiums under construction, not to mention stadium redevelopment currently ongoing in various countries around Europe. The list gets even longer by the day. But how do they rank among the biggest stadiums in the world?
Let's explore some of them below, including the abandoned Nou Mestalla in Spain, whose construction was revived recently.
Emirates Stadium
Arsenal is embarking on an ambitious expansion plan that will increase the capacity of Emirates Stadium by 33%. This means upon completion, Emirates Stadium in London will have close to 80,000 seats, making it one of the biggest football stadiums in the World.
According to Football London, the cost of expanding Emirates will run into millions of pounds. Initial redevelopment costs are pegged at £390 million.
King Salman International Stadium
Once completed, King Salman International Stadium will be one of the biggest football grounds in the world, with a capacity of 92.760. The venue, which is named after the Saudi King, is expected to be completed by 2029 in readiness for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. It will also become the official home ground for the Saudi Arabia national team.
King Salman International Stadium is being constructed for 4 billion Saudi riyals.
Nou Mestalla
Nou Mestalla is on course to be an architectural marvel, with construction works ongoing. With Spain co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, expectations are high that the new Valencia home ground will be ready to host the world championship.
With a seating capacity of 70,000, it will not only become one of the largest grounds in Spain but also rank highly among the most expensive and biggest football stadiums in the world. Nou Mestalla's construction costs currently stand at €300 million.
As of June 2025, it was reported that the club reached a financing breakthrough totalling €322 million. The loan, secured from a consortium of institutional investors and banks, was described as one of the best financial transactions ever completed by a professional football club in Europe.
Guangzhou Football Park
China's infrastructural excellence is once again taking centre stage in the construction of Guangzhou Football Park. Hasan Syed, an American architect based in China, is contracted at the site.
The catch with Guangzhou Football Park, located in the Panyu district of Guangzhou, China, is that its capacity of 74,707 will make it one of the biggest stadiums in the world. Most importantly, the $1.7 billion needed to complete it means the new football stadium in China will become one of the most expensive venues in the world.
The completion date for China's second-largest football stadium is set for the end of 2025.
New Trafford Stadium
Manchester United have contemplated moving away from Old Trafford for some years. The quest gained momentum with the arrival of Sir Jim Radcliffe as a co-owner of the Red Devils. If recent photos released by the club are anything to go by, ‘Wembley of the North' as Radcliffe calls it, will become one of the biggest stadiums in the world.
The club plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium. However, footing a £2 billion cost needed to construct the venue has generated a heated debate, with the UK government explicitly stating it will not fund it.
With no public money allocated for the proposed stadium, save for wider regeneration of surrounding areas, United will have to go it alone or involve private investors.
Nonetheless, artistic impressions of the proposed Manchester United stadium have sparked considerable online interest. Due to its overall appeal, some fans and critics have called the proposed design ‘a circus tent'.
However, the architectural walkthrough of the New Trafford, as seen in the social post below, paints a picture of a massive venue with plenty of space for a park, shops, and other amenities.
If completed by the 2030/31 season as projected, the 100,000-seater pitch is expected to provide up to 92,000 jobs and pump an estimated £7.3 billion into the UK economy annually.
