10 Largest Football Stadiums in the World – Part 3
4) Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne, Australia - Capacity - 100,018):
Although, best known for being the first indoor Cricket Stadium, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) also hosts Australia’s National football team matches. With a capacity of over 100,000, it is easily the biggest stadium in Australia.
The stadium was host to most of Australia’s World Cup qualifying matches. The feature that sets MCG apart from its competitors is the fact that it has a removal roof. Though, it’s more useful for the game of cricket, it is a feature which only MCG can claim
to have.
MCG rose to prominence when the Socceroos played a friendly at this venue against the Argentina National team. The likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano graced the pitch which gave MCG the international appeal that has helped enhance
its image.
With more international matches to be staged at this wonderful arena and Australian National team making good strides at international level, its popularity can only grow and the future of MCG looks brighter than ever before.
3) Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico - Capacity - 105,000):
One of the most famous football stadiums in one of the most famous cities of the world has a huge history. It is best known for the two World Cup finals that it had hosted in 1970 and 1986.
Estadio Azteca is the home to Mexico's National football team. Not many stadiums have the honour of hosting 2 World Cup finals. Its significance increases incredible due to its rich history and it has a place in the heart of football fans. The stadium has
had moments of history and has witnessed some of the greats play on it.
During the 1970 World Cup, the great Brazilian side which consisted of players such as Pele, Rivelino and Jarzinho, played some of the most extraordinary football. They played a brand of football which was a cut above the rest of the world and it was at
this stadium that they confirmed their status as one of the greatest teams of all times by lifting the Jules Rimet trophy for the 3rd time.
Next was the 1986 World Cup and another historical match had taken place in Estadio Azteca. The quarter final between England and Argentina, one of the most remembered matches of all times produced the highly controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal by Maradona
which was soon followed up by the ‘Goal of the Century’. He weaved his way past a number of English players before going past the goal keeper and putting the ball into the back of the net.
The Azteca’s history is so unbelievably linked with some of the most memorable moments of the game that the stadium has a special place in the history of football.
2) Salt Lake Stadium (Kolkata, India - Capacity - 120,000):
This might come as a surprise to many as India is hardly a household name in the world of football but with a population of over a billion, one might expect a stadium there with a capacity of 120,000.
Currently, it is the home ground for four of India’s top clubs that include Chirag United Sports Club, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal Club and Mohammedan Sporting Club. All these play in India’s top division.
Salt Lake Stadium is also home to India's National team. It comes as no surprise that the stadium can generate incredible volumes of noise. With football in India and particularly in Kolkata making great strides, Salt Lake is set to make more prominent appearances
at world stage.
1) Rungrado May Day Stadium (Pyongyang, North Korea - Capacity - 150,000):
One can be left in total awe due to the pure architectural genius of this stadium, let alone the fact that it can accommodate 150,000 spectators at one time. The Rungrado May Day Stadium was opened in 1989 and is home to North Korea’s National team.
Its primary purpose at the moment is to hold parades and other public events but it has also hosted matches for North Korea’s National team. This has made it the largest football stadium in the world.
Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that its turf would ever be graced by some of the greats of the game, simply because of the fact that its location is in one of the most hostile parts on earth. Therefore, it would be a long shot to believe that a major
tournament would take place in this absolutely stunning arena. Nonetheless, it sits comfortably on top of our list of football's largest stadiums.
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