The 10 Most Iconic Sports Stadiums Around the World

From some of the oldest venues in Europe to some of the most modern, these venues are revered as a temple of sport to many enthusiastic fans. Here are the ten most iconic sports stadiums found around the world.

10. Beijing National Stadium – Beijing, China

a large building with a large white structure on top of it
Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich

Beijing National Stadium, also called the “Bird’s Nest,” picked up the moniker over its unique design that follows a “nest scheme.” It opened in 2008. This massive stadium can seat 91,000 spectators. It was designed for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. It was also used during the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The stadium has hosted several motor racing events.

9. Cairo International Stadium – Cairo City, Egypt

Image by Openverse

Cairo International Stadium in Cairo City, formally known as Nasser Stadium, first opened in July 1960 but was renovated in 2005 and 2019. It’s an Olympic-standard, multi-use Stadium with a seating capacity of 75,000. It’s the third-largest stadium in Egypt. It serves as home to the Egyptian national football (soccer) team.

8. Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany

red and white stadium under blue sky during daytime
Photo by Saurav Rastogi

Allianz Arena in Munich opened in 2005 and is the second-largest stadium in Germany behind the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund. It has a seating capacity of 70,000 for international football (soccer) matches and 75,000 for domestic matches. Through its inflated ETFE plastic panels, it is the first stadium in the world with a full-color changing exterior.

7. San Siro Stadium – Milan, Italy

Image by Openverse

San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, opened in 1926. It has a seating capacity of 80,018, which makes it the largest stadium in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. It’s the home stadium of football (soccer) clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan. It will host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

6. Old Trafford Stadium – Manchester, United Kingdom

Image by Openverse

Old Trafford Stadium first opened in 1910 in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. Today, it’s home to football (soccer) club Manchester United. The stadium can seat 74,310 spectators, the second-largest in the country after Wembley Stadium. It’s hosted matches for the FIFA World Cup, Summer Olympics, and the Rugby Football League’s final.

5. Azteca Stadium – Mexico City, Mexico

Image by Openverse

Opening in 1966, Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico, has a seating capacity of 87,523. It is the largest stadium in Latin America and the sixth-largest Association football stadium in the world. It’s the home of the football team Club America and the Mexico national team. It was the first Stadium in history to host two World Cup finals.

4. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – Madrid, Spain

Image by Openverse

Completed in 1947, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid serves as the home stadium of Real Madrid, one of the world’s most successful football (soccer) clubs. This colossal Stadium has a capacity of over 85,000 spectators. It has the second-largest seating capacity for football in Spain. Many memorable moments in the history of football (soccer) have occurred here.

3. Wembley Stadium – London, United Kingdom

Image by Openverse

Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom, has a history dating back to 1923. Today, the stadium is home to the World Cup finals, Euro Cups, and the UEFA Champions League final. But beyond serving as the iconic home to English football (soccer), it has hosted some of the most legendary live music concerts ever.

Read More: Make Sure You Always Tip When Traveling to These Countries

2. Camp Nou Stadium – Barcelona, Spain

Image by Openverse

Heralded as a symbol of European football (soccer), Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, is also the home of FC Barcelona. This colossal sports venue is the largest football stadium in Europe and can accommodate more than 99,000 spectators. Fans consider it a temple to the sport of football (soccer).

Read More: The #1 Sports Team in EVERY State

1. Maracanã Stadium – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Image by Openverse

The Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is considered one of the jewels of world sport. The stadium has a distinctive saucer-shaped design and can seat more than 78,000 spectators. It was inaugurated to host the 1950 FIFA World Cup. While it is a sanctuary of football, it’s more than a sports venue — fans view it as a shrine. 

Read More: The 10 Best Sports Stars Turned Actor

Related Articles
Apr 9, 2018; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) reacts after a shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
16 NBA Stars Who Were Better as Sidekicks
Whether it was playing next to a dominant big man or an all-time great, here are 16 NBA stars who proved...
Read More
Feb. 8, 2008; Pebble Beach, CA, USA; Greg Norman smiles after making a putt on the 17th hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament at the Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach, CA. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
15 Golf Stars Who Carried a Chip and an Attitude
These 15 golf stars didn’t just walk the fairway—they strutted down it with a chip on their shoulder...
Read More
July 1, 2010; Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA; Argentina head coach Diego Maradona during a training session two days before their quarterfinal match against Germany in the 2010 World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Christian Ort/GEPA via Imagn Images
15 Sports Icons Who Couldn’t Escape Financial Disaster
From championship rings to bankruptcy court, these 15 sports legends serve as reminders that even the...
Read More
Fans scream out in hopes of getting an autograph as Bills star quarterback Josh Allen waves as he leaves the field for the last time during the final day of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Thursday, August 7, 2025 in Pittsford, NY.
10 NFL Fanbases That Deserve a Championship Already
Here are 10 NFL fanbases that have more than earned the right to celebrate a championship already.
Read More
Nov 15, 2020; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates with wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (19) after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post-Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
18 NFL Stars Who Turned Every Slight Into a Feud
From locker room drama to media clapbacks and opponent beefs, these NFL stars didn't let anything sl...
Read More
Unknown Date, 1999; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Jersey Devils defensemen Scott Stevens (4) in action against Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Stephane Richer (44) at Continental Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
The 14 Most Brutal Body-Checkers in NHL History
In NHL history, some players turned the art of the body check into a personal brand. Let’s count down...
Read More

As an Amazon Associate, The Quick Report earns from qualifying purchases.

Part of the Castaway Studios media network.