As the FIFA World Cup captures the attention of millions of football fans around the globe, interest is growing not only in the teams competing on the pitch but also in the spectacular venues hosting major sporting events. Stadium tourism has become one of the fastest-growing travel trends, with fans increasingly planning entire trips around iconic matchday experiences.
Many football supporters automatically think of Wembley Stadium, Camp Nou or the Santiago Bernabéu when discussing the world’s most impressive arenas. Yet a new ranking from Hellotickets reveals that some of the largest stadiums on the planet are located far from football’s traditional powerhouses.
The findings offer a fascinating glimpse into the venues capable of welcoming crowds that rival the population of entire towns. The ranking and accompanying commentary were shared with Alejandra’s Life through a press release from Hellotickets.
The World’s Biggest Stadium Might Surprise Football Fans
The largest stadium in the world is not located in England, Spain or Brazil. According to Hellotickets, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, takes the top spot with a capacity of approximately 132,000 spectators. Primarily used for cricket, the venue highlights the enormous popularity of the sport across the Indian subcontinent.
Second on the list is Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, which can accommodate an estimated 113,000 to 114,000 spectators. The stadium is used for football, athletics and large-scale performances.
What may surprise many international fans is the dominance of the United States throughout the remainder of the ranking. Rather than NFL venues, many of America’s largest stadiums are home to college football programs that regularly attract crowds exceeding 100,000 spectators.
The Top 10 Biggest Stadiums in the World
According to Hellotickets’ ranking, the ten largest stadiums by capacity are:
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India (132,000)
- Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, Pyongyang, North Korea (113,000-114,000)
- Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, United States (107,601)
- Beaver Stadium, University Park, United States (106,000)
- Ohio Stadium, Columbus, United States (102,780)
- Kyle Field, College Station, United States (102,733)
- Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, United States (102,321)
- Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, United States (101,915)
- Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, United States (100,119)
- Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, United States (100,077)
The list highlights how college football has evolved into one of the largest live sporting spectacles in the world. For many visitors, game day traditions including marching bands, tailgating events and passionate local fan bases create an atmosphere unlike any other sporting experience.
Why Stadium Tourism Is Booming During the World Cup
The timing of the ranking is particularly relevant as the 2026 FIFA World Cup shines a spotlight on North America. With the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting matches, millions of supporters are travelling to experience not only the tournament itself but also the cities and stadiums that bring the event to life.
Sports tourism has evolved beyond simply attending a game. Today’s travellers often build entire itineraries around a matchday experience, combining local attractions, food, culture and sporting traditions into a single trip. Stadiums have become destinations in their own right, serving as landmarks that reflect the character of a city and its sporting identity.
Speaking in information shared with Alejandra’s Life, Jorge Diaz Largo, CEO of Hellotickets, said:
A great stadium is not just about capacity. It is a promise of atmosphere. For many travellers, attending a match or an event in an iconic arena can be as memorable as visiting a monument or discovering a landmark neighbourhood. These venues tell the story of a city, a sporting culture and a very local way of experiencing an event.
More Than Just Seats and Scoreboards
As the World Cup continues to dominate conversations worldwide, rankings such as this reveal how the modern sporting experience extends far beyond the final score. The world’s largest stadiums are becoming symbols of culture, community and travel, attracting visitors who want to experience the energy of a major event firsthand.
Whether it is cricket in India, college football in the United States or football’s biggest tournament taking place across North America, stadiums are increasingly shaping the way people travel. For many fans, the journey to an unforgettable sporting experience now begins long before kick-off.