List of association football stadiums by capacity

Criteria and scope

Capacity in these lists normally refers to the official maximum number of spectators permitted for a football match. That figure can differ from recorded attendances or temporary configurations. Common factors that affect capacity include whether areas are seated or standing, use of temporary seating for special events, safety certifications, and whether capacity is reported for club or international fixtures.

Organization and types

Lists may be organized globally, by continent, or by country. They can also distinguish between currently operational stadiums, newly built or renovated venues, and those that have been closed or demolished. Some stadiums are single-purpose football grounds, while others are multi-purpose and host concerts or athletics, which can change how capacity is measured.

Notable examples and regional differences

Across the world, well-known large-capacity football stadiums include historic club grounds and national stadiums. Examples often cited in global rankings include Camp Nou (Barcelona), Wembley Stadium (London), Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro), and Estadio Azteca (Mexico City). Northern and central Europe feature large all-seater stadiums and, in some countries, standing terraces remain popular for domestic matches. South America has a long tradition of very large attendances and expansive bowl designs.

History, safety and regulations

Changes in safety law and governing-body regulations have altered capacities over time. Following major stadium disasters, many countries adopted new seating and ingress/egress standards that reduced or reorganized spectator numbers. FIFA and continental confederations also set requirements for international fixtures that can affect reported capacity.

Using capacity lists and further resources

When consulting a ranked list, check whether capacities are for all-seater configurations, include temporary additions, or reflect current safety certificates. For authoritative figures consult official club or stadium publications and stadium databases. Further compiled resources can be found via official capacity listings and independent stadium databases such as stadium reference sites.

• Tip: Official capacities can change with renovation—verify the date of the source.
• Note: Some historical attendance records exceed modern certified capacities due to different past practices.