From the iconic Maracanã to hidden gems in the suburbs of Rio — everything you need to know before attending a game in Brazil.
Brazilian football is unlike anything else on the planet. The noise, the tifos, the passion, the chaos of trying to buy a ticket as a foreigner — it is all part of the experience. This guide brings together real experiences from several groundhoppers who between them attended over 20 games across Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Whether you are planning your first Brazilian football trip or looking to go deeper into the lower leagues, this is the guide we wish we had.
Before You Go: Tickets and Facial Recognition
Facial Recognition is Now Everywhere
All stadiums with a capacity above 20,000 are now required to implement facial recognition entry systems. Your face is your ticket — there is no physical ticket to show at the turnstile.
Foreign Cards Are a Nightmare (Sometimes)
Overseas credit and debit cards are routinely declined on club ticketing websites. Revolut, Starling and Monzo cards have worked for some visitors once they are physically in Brazil — but not always. The safest fallback is to ask a local contact or fellow groundhopper to purchase on your behalf.
The Ingresse and FutebolCard Apps
Many clubs use the Ingresse app for ticket sales. FutebolCard.com is a useful third-party platform that sometimes works for international buyers. For VIP or camarote packages, FutebolCard offers a wide range of options.
CPF — Do You Need One?
Some club websites require a Brazilian CPF. You can generate a valid CPF number online for free without being a Brazilian resident.
Belo Horizonte
Estádio Independência — América FC (Série B)
Tickets from free / R$20 | Capacity: 25,000
One of the most historically significant stadiums in world football — this is where the USA defeated England 1-0 in the 1950 World Cup. Today it is compact, atmospheric and charming. Corporate box experiences are also available here.
Mineirão — Cruzeiro (Série A / Copa Sudamericana)
Tickets from R$170 | Capacity: 61,000
One of the great South American stadiums — the site of Brazil’s 7-1 World Cup semi-final humiliation in 2014. The atmosphere is off the scale. Arrive 90 minutes before kick-off — the ground will already be two-thirds full. Everyone stands for the entire game. The Copa Sudamericana tie against Boca Juniors produced one of the most electric atmospheres imaginable.
Arena MRV — Atlético Mineiro (Libertadores / Série A)
Tickets from R$20 to R$170+ | Capacity: 46,000
Atlético’s two-year-old stadium is stunning. Tickets via the Galo app; for women’s games no facial recognition is required. For men’s games, access through a club member is most reliable.
Rio de Janeiro
Estádio do Maracanã — Flamengo / Fluminense
Tickets from R$88–R$190 | Capacity: 78,000
The Maracanã needs no introduction. The tifos are spectacular, the noise is constant. Facial recognition is required for all games — register separately for Flamengo and Fluminense. Flamengo’s website only accepts Pix payment — ask a Brazilian contact or queue at an official Flamengo store. If you see the Chopp Brothers van outside: three beers for R$18, considerably stronger than inside.
Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos (Engenhão) — Botafogo
Tickets from R$60–R$100 | Capacity: 46,000
Built for the 2016 Olympics. Tickets via the Ingresse app are generally the most straightforward in Rio. The train station is directly outside the away end. Under-20 matches are free entry — outstanding value.
Estádio Aniácio Matos (Madureira) — Madureira EC
Tickets from R$30 at the gate | No facial recognition
A 30-minute train from Central do Brasil. Almost no tourists. The mural behind the goal is an absolute gem.
Estádio Ronaldo Luiz Nazário de Lima — São Cristóvão
Tickets: R$20 | No facial recognition
Near the Maracanã. Grassroots, scrappy and tourist-free football.
Estádio Luso Brasileiro — Portuguesa RJ
Tickets: R$10 (or free if you are lucky)
Near Rio’s international airport. A possible temporary home for Vasco while their stadium is renovated.
São Paulo
Neo Química Arena — Corinthians (Série A)
Tickets from R$100 | Capacity: 49,000
A 30–40 minute metro journey from the centre. Great atmosphere even at two-thirds capacity. Foreign cards often declined — a local contact is the safest ticket route.
Allianz Parque — Palmeiras (Libertadores / Campeonato Paulista)
Tickets from R$160 regular / R$70+ VIP | Capacity: 43,000
A modern, acoustically impressive stadium 10–15 minutes’ walk from Barra Funda station. VIP packages via FutebolCard.com. The Campeonato Paulista derby against Corinthians — delayed 30 minutes by a storm — was electric.
Estádio do Morumbi — São Paulo FC (Libertadores)
Tickets from R$400 VIP camarote | Capacity: 67,000
The classic old bowl of the Morumbi delivers some of the most intense Libertadores nights in South America. After the game, walk at least a mile before attempting to Uber.
Estádio Municipal 1º de Maio — São Bernardo FC (Série C)
Tickets: R$50 at the window | No facial recognition
A 45-minute Uber from the centre. An old-school ground with sweeping open stands and proper floodlights. When the big city queues defeat you, this is the answer.
The Pacaembu Museum — São Paulo
Save time for the Museu do Futebol at the art deco Estádio do Pacaembu. Free on Tuesdays; R$24 for the museum or R$60 for a stadium tour on other days. A moving tribute to Brazilian football history.
Practical Tips
Getting Around: Metro is best for most stadiums. Uber is convenient but traffic is brutal — allow far more time than the app suggests.
Ticket Costs: State leagues / lower divisions: R$10–R$50 | Série B/A: R$120–R$190 | Libertadores: R$170–R$200 | VIP Camarote: R$400–R$700+
Beer and Food: Chopp Brothers van in Rio (most games except Flamengo): three beers for R$18. Stadium beers typically R$10–R$15.
Connectivity: Airalo e-SIM is highly recommended for data throughout Brazil.
Find Your Football Gear in Belo Horizonte
Passing through Belo Horizonte? Visit our store at the Mercado Novo for shirts, scarves, pennants and memorabilia from clubs across Brazil. Browse our full range of Brazilian club shirts, South American classics, and match worn rarities online — or come and find us in person at Mercado Novo.
Mercado Novo, Belo Horizonte — your one-stop shop for Brazilian football culture.
All prices in Brazilian Reais (BRL). Stadium capacities and ticketing systems subject to change — always check club websites before your trip.