The FIFA World Cup has been one of the most watched events in history. There are millions of fans around the world who follow this popular game. Technology has made great strides in football. While thousands of people watch the matches in the stadiums, millions of people broadcast the games live on TV.
And, the most anticipated game of this tournament, The Final, always attracts a larger audience. Here is a list of the FIFA World Cup finals with the highest attendance, as these figures have shattered all the records.
FIFA World Cup Finals With the Highest Attendees
No doubt, football is at the top among the most popular sports in the world. The first World Cup match took place in 1930 when Uruguay defeated Argentina and lifted the trophy. In the final match of the World Cup 2022 in Lusail, Argentina picked up the trophy after defeating France.
88,966 people attended the 2022 Final and supported their teams, while the rest watched the game live on TV. Here are the FIFA World Cup finals with the highest attendance.
1 – Uruguay vs Brazil
- World Cup: 1950
- Venue: Maracana Stadium, Brazil
- Attendance: 173,850
- Winner: Uruguay
The “Maracanazo” stunned the world as Uruguay defeated Brazil 2-1 at Rio’s Maracana Stadium. With 173,850 fans witnessing, it’s the most attended final in World Cup history. It remains a historic upset in World Cup history, becoming a dramatic and unforgettable match
2 – Argentina vs West Germany
- World Cup: 1986
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico
- Attendance: 114,600
- Winner: Argentina
At the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Argentina triumphed over West Germany 3-2 in front of 114,600 fans. Diego Maradona played a pivotal role in securing Argentina’s second World Cup title. The record attendance figures showcase the anticipation of this thrilling contest among the fans.
3 – Brazil vs Italy
- World Cup: 1970
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico
- Attendance: 107,412
- Winner: Brazil
At the Estadio Azteca, Brazil showcased its football artistry. The team outplayed Italy 4-1 in the Final and clinched the cup in front of 107,412 fans. Pele and Carlos Alberto were the stars with their exceptional efforts, making Brazil win its third World Cup in style.
| # | Teams | Winner | Venue | Attendance | World Cup Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uruguay vs Brazil | Uruguay | Maracana Stadium, Brazil | 173,850 | 1950 |
| 2 | Argentina vs West Germany | Argentina | Estadio Azteca, Mexico | 114,600 | 1986 |
| 3 | Brazil vs Italy | Brazil | Estadio Azteca, Mexico | 107,412 | 1970 |
| 4 | England vs West Germany | England | Wembley Stadium, England | 96,924 | 1966 |
| 5 | Brazil vs Italy | Brazil | Rose Bowl, United States | 94,194 | 1994 |
| 6 | Italy vs West Germany | Italy | Santiago Bernabeu, Spain | 90,000 | 1982 |
| 7 | Argentina vs France | Argentina | Lusail Stadium, Lusail | 88,966 | 2022 |
| 8 | Spain vs Netherlands | Spain | Soccer City, South Africa | 84,490 | 2010 |
| 9 | France vs Brazil | France | Stade de France, France | 80,000 | 1998 |
| 10 | Uruguay vs Argentina | Uruguay | Estadio Centenario, Uruguay | 80,000 | 1930 |
| 11 | France vs Croatia | France | Luzhniki Stadium, Russia | 78,011 | 2018 |
| 12 | West Germany vs Netherlands | West Germany | Olympiastadion, West Germany | 75,200 | 1974 |
| 13 | Germany vs Argentina | Germany | Maracana Stadium, Brazil | 74,738 | 2014 |
| 14 | West Germany vs Argentina | West Germany | Stadio Olimpico, Italy | 73,603 | 1990 |
| 15 | Argentina vs Netherlands | Argentina | Estadio Monumental, Argentina | 71,483 | 1978 |
| 16 | Brazil vs Germany | Brazil | International Stadium, Japan | 69,029 | 2002 |
| 17 | Italy vs France | Italy | Olympiastadion, Germany | 69,000 | 2006 |
| 18 | Brazil vs Czechoslovakia | Brazil | Estadio Nacional, Chile | 69,000 | 1962 |
| 19 | West Germany vs Hungary | West Germany | Wankdorf Stadium, Switzerland | 60,000 | 1954 |
| 20 | Brazil vs Sweden | Brazil | Rasunda Stadium, Sweden | 51,800 | 1958 |
| 21 | Italy vs Czechoslovakia | Italy | Stadio Nazionale PNF, Italy | 50,000 | 1934 |
| 22 | Italy vs Hungary | Italy | Stade Olympique de Colombes, France | 45,000 | 1938 |
Let’s Rewind
The FIFA World Cup finals with the highest attendance remind us just how powerful and unifying football truly is. From the jaw-dropping Maracanazo in 1950 to the electrifying nights at Estadio Azteca, these matches prove that fans create the heartbeat of the sport.
Whether it’s 173,000 roaring supporters or over 100,000 passionate fans packed into a stadium, the energy becomes part of football history. These unforgettable finals show that the World Cup isn’t just about who wins.
It is about the emotion, the atmosphere, and the moments millions will talk about for generations.
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