From the iconic Maracanã to hidden gems in Rio's suburbs—everything you need to know before attending a football match 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's all part of the experience. This guide compiles real experiences from several groundhoppers who, together, have attended over 20 matches in Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.
Before You Travel: Tickets and Facial Recognition
Facial Recognition Is Everywhere
All stadiums with a capacity over 20,000 seats are required to implement facial recognition systems. Your face is your ticket—there's no physical ticket to show at the turnstile.
Foreign Cards Are an Issue (Sometimes)
Foreign cards are often rejected on club websites. Cards like Revolut, Starling, and Monzo worked for some visitors once they were already in Brazil. The safest option is to ask a local contact to buy the ticket.
The Ingresse and FutebolCard Apps
Many clubs use the Ingresse app. FutebolCard.com is a useful third-party platform for international buyers. For VIP or box seating packages, FutebolCard offers several options.
CPF—Do You Need One?
Some websites require a CPF. You can generate a valid CPF number online for free, even if you are not 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—it was here that the USA defeated England 1-0 in the 1950 World Cup. Today it is compact, engaging, and charming.
Mineirão — Cruzeiro (Série A / Copa Sudamericana)
Tickets from R$170 | Capacity: 61,000
One of the great South American stadiums—it was here that Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany in 2014. The atmosphere is next level. Arrive 90 minutes early—the stadium will already be two-thirds full. Everyone stands for the entire match. The Copa Sudamericana match against Boca Juniors had an electrifying and unforgettable atmosphere.
Arena MRV — Atlético Mineiro (Libertadores / Série A)
Tickets from R$20 (women) to R$170+ | Capacity: 46,000
Atlético's new stadium is impressive. Tickets via the Galo app; for women, facial recognition is not required. For men's games, access via club membership is the most reliable route.
Rio de Janeiro
Estádio do Maracanã — Flamengo / Fluminense
Tickets from R$88 to R$190 | Capacity: 78,000
The Maracanã needs no introduction. The tifos are spectacular and the noise is constant. Facial recognition is mandatory for all games—register separately on the Flamengo and Fluminense systems. The Flamengo website only accepts Pix—ask a Brazilian contact to buy for you. If you see the Chopp Brothers van outside: three beers for R$18.
Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos (Engenhão) — Botafogo
Tickets from R$60 to R$100 | Capacity: 46,000
Built for the 2016 Olympics. Tickets via the Ingresse app are the easiest to acquire in Rio. The train station is directly outside the away section. U-20 games are free entry.
Estádio Aníácio Matos (Madureira) — Madureira EC
Tickets from R$30 at the box office | No facial recognition
A 30-minute train ride from Central do Brasil. Almost no tourists. The mural behind the goal is a work of art.
Estádio Ronaldo Luiz Nazário de Lima — São Cristóvão
Tickets: R$20 | No facial recognition
Near the Maracanã. Popular, competitive football with no tourists.
Estádio Luso Brasileiro — Portuguesa RJ
Tickets: R$10 (or free, if you're lucky)
Near Rio's international airport. Possible temporary home for Vasco during their stadium renovation.
São Paulo
Neo Química Arena — Corinthians (Série A)
Tickets from R$100 | Capacity: 49,000
Great atmosphere even at two-thirds capacity. Foreign cards often rejected—local contact is the safest route.
Allianz Parque — Palmeiras (Libertadores / Campeonato Paulista)
Tickets from R$160 (regular) to R$70+ (VIP) | Capacity: 43,000
Modern stadium with impressive acoustics, a 10–15 minute walk from Barra Funda station. VIP packages via FutebolCard.com. The Paulista derby against Corinthians—delayed 30 minutes by a storm—was electric.
Estádio do Morumbi — São Paulo FC (Libertadores)
Tickets from R$400 (VIP box) | Capacity: 67,000
The Morumbi cauldron delivers some of South America's most intense Copa Libertadores nights. After the game, walk at least a kilometer before trying to get an Uber.
Estádio Municipal 1º de Maio — São Bernardo FC (Série C)
Tickets: R$50 at the box office | No facial recognition
A 45-minute Uber ride from downtown. An old-fashioned stadium with open stands and real floodlights.
The Football Museum — São Paulo
Allow time for the Football Museum at the beautiful Pacaembu Stadium. Free entry on Tuesdays; R$24 for the museum or R$60 for the stadium tour on other days.
Practical Tips
How to Get Around: Metro is the best option. Uber is convenient, but traffic in Rio and São Paulo is brutal—allow much more time than the app suggests.
Ticket Prices: State championships / lower divisions: R$10–R$50 | Série B/A: R$120–R$190 | Libertadores: R$170–R$200 | VIP/Box: R$400–R$700+
Beer and Food: Chopp Brothers van in Rio (most games except Flamengo): three beers for R$18. Beers inside stadiums: R$10–R$15.
Connectivity: Airalo e-SIM is highly recommended for data in Brazil.
Find Your Football Merchandise in Belo Horizonte
Passing through Belo Horizonte? Visit our store at Mercado Novo for jerseys, scarves, pennants, and club memorabilia from all over Brazil. Check out our collections of Brazilian teams, South American classics, and match-worn rarities—or come visit us in person at Mercado Novo.
Mercado Novo, Belo Horizonte—your go-to store for Brazilian football culture.
All prices in Brazilian Reais (BRL). Stadium capacities and ticketing systems may change—always check club websites before your trip.