Top 5 Stadium Atmospheres in International Soccer

The sport of soccer (or football) is played in nations all around the world. It’s an extremely popular game with competitive leagues in Europe, North, and South America. Some of the most electrifying environments you can go to are international soccer games, where each country’s unique culture is put on display.

If you’ve ever watched or been to an international soccer game, you may have seen just how crazy they get. The stadiums make it even wilder, from its elaborate design to the aura of its diehard fans, which is why we’ve got the top 5 stadium atmospheres in international soccer laid out below.

5. San Siro Stadium – Italy

Host of many of the Italian Men’s national team games and home to both Serie A’s (Italian League) AC Milan and Inter Milan, the Italian San Siro makes for one of the most ecstatic environments you’ll see. San Siro fans are some of the most loyal spectators you’ll come across, especially in the heated AC Milan vs. Inter Milan rivalry matchups. While some may feel the energy from the stadium in Milan, Italy is overbearing, the fact it’s been standing for 103 years, hosted 3 World Cups, and the 2015/16 UEFA Champions League Final means it’s none other than the perfect environment for watching a rowdy soccer match.

4. Wembley Stadium – England

Many viewers of international soccer know full well about Wembley Stadium located in Wembley, UK. With approximately 90,000 seats, why wouldn’t the second-largest stadium in Europe have a crazy atmosphere? From UEFA Champions League finals to English Men and Women’s National Team home games Wembley Stadium is no stranger to hosting big soccer events including multiple World Cup games and the 1966 World Cup final. Fans are known to get rowdy, so if you’re looking for a good time, check out hundreds of food and beverage options, bars, restaurants, and more within the 1 KM circumference stadium.

3. Estadio Azteca – México

As the heart of Mexican football and with 87,000+ seats for viewing capacity, let’s just say the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico makes for one of the most thrilling soccer environments you’ll find around the globe. Some of the most notable events to happen here were the 1970 World Cup finals between Brazil and Italy (4-1 Brazil), and the 1986 World Cup finals where Argentina defeated West Germany (3-2). Having hosted two World Cups of such stature, if you ever catch a game in the legendary Estadio Azteca, you’re bound to be in for one wild ride.

2. Signal Iduna Park – Germany

The stadium that bleeds yellow in the heart of Dortmund, Germany holds over 81,000+ spectators for its intense German National team and Bundesliga’s (German league) Borussia Dortmund. Fans are notorious for setting off yellow and red fireworks, throwing colored powder, and confetti, and covering themselves in face paint. The German-hosted environment is considered one of the top stadium atmospheres in the world, hosting the 1974 World Cup semi-final, 2006 World Cup semi-final, 2001 UEFA Cup Final, and 2024 European Championship.

1. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – Spain

Finally, our top pick for the best stadium atmosphere you can find in international soccer is none other than the legendary Santiago Bernabéu stadium located in Madrid, Spain. Home to many of the Men and Women’s Spanish National team games as well as La Liga’s (Spanish League) Real Madrid, if you’re a spectator at this stadium, you’re bound to witness championship-level soccer. With a capacity of around 85,000, the Bernabéu has hosted countless Real Madrid vs. Barcelona rivalries, the 1982 World Cup final, the 1957, 1969, 1980, and 2010 UEFA Champions League final, and the Copa Libertadores final. When it comes to one of the most cutting-edge stadium designs (with a retractable roof and all) and having some of the most passionate and loyal fans, the Santiago Bernabéu trumps all others in international soccer.