MARACANA STADIUM

Maracanã Stadium, officially named Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, is an iconic football stadium located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Opened in 1950 for the FIFA World Cup, it originally hosted up to 200,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in the world.

The Maracanã is renowned for its historic matches, including the dramatic 1950 World Cup final where Brazil lost to Uruguay in a game remembered as the "Maracanazo." The stadium has undergone several renovations, most notably for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, reducing its capacity to around 78,000 to meet modern safety standards. Maracanã has also hosted significant cultural events, including concerts by international artists. It remains a central venue for major football matches, including those of local clubs Flamengo and Fluminense, as well as the Brazilian national team, symbolizing Brazilian football's rich heritage and passion.