15 Oct 10 Must-See Destinations for Soccer Fans
If you’re a globe-trotter (and we know you are because you’re reading this blog), and enjoy combining your traveling experience with the Beautiful Game, you’ll never be short of options. Soccer is a truly global phenomenon, so you’ll always have a city somewhere to combine fun sightseeing outings with your appreciation of the sport. There are enticing venues on several continents, maximizing your exposure to some of the greatest stadiums in major sporting hot spots worldwide.
From the vibrant soccer centers in the Americas, to the growing locations in Africa and Asia, these cities offer essential pilgrimages for soccer fans.
The Americas: Soccer Passion and Pageantry
A journey through the Americas offers a quintessential travel experience for die-hard fans looking to appreciate soccer. Your trip will take you to these cities:
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Home of Inter Miami CF
- Mexico City, Mexico: The hub of Mexican soccer, with clubs including Club América, Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The birthplace of Brazilian soccer’s first club, Fluminense FC
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Why visit Fort Lauderdale? This vibrant coastal city offers a blend of sun, sand and soccer excitement. It’s known for its stunning beaches and picturesque canals, and you can appreciate plentiful outdoor activities mixed with high-class dining and shopping outings. The city is home to Inter Miami CF, and soccer fans can enjoy a memorable visit to the state-of-the-art Chase Stadium to enjoy a revealing behind-the-scenes tour.
Afterward, settle in to witness a thrilling MLS match as Inter’s star players Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets grace the field. Beyond soccer, visitors to Fort Lauderdale can explore the nearby Everglades, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and marvel at the city’s cultural attractions. Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit destination in Florida for both tourists and soccer enthusiasts.
Mexico City, Mexico
What makes Mexico City special? Mexico City is a constant buzz of activity, filled with incredible sights. History buffs will love Teotihuacán (arguably one of the world’s premier archeological digs) and enjoy some cactus liquor or tequila after the tour. If you’re more into shopping, you must experience the pedestrian-only Avenida Francisco I. Madero shopping avenue. Mexican soccer team Club América is a fixture in the Mexican Liga MX and one of the most innovative.
Part of what makes Club América so exciting is the lengths they go to make the experience entertaining for fans. Most recently, Club América entered into a partnership with Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. to fuse the legendary PAC-MAN™ video game with the most popular soccer team in Mexico. During a pair of recent celebratory matchdays at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, Club América wore jerseys embossed with retro PAC-Font lettering and including jersey numbers with classic PAC-MAN maze elements. Keep an eye out while visiting Mexico City…you may even come across one of these collector’s items.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Is Rio de Janeiro worth the trip? Nestled below the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro is a must-see city for soccer fans and other travelers alike. With its captivating landscapes, friendly locals and passionate soccer scene, visitors will revel in the lively atmosphere the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches provide. For soccer supporters, Rio is home to Fluminense FC, a historic club with a rich legacy of star players, including legends like Telê Santana, Romário and Thiago Silva.
Fluminense’s home matches take place at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, which can hold nearly 80,000 fans when the club plays its biggest local rivals, Flamengo and Botafogo. Mark your travel card to include Rio de Janeiro and appreciate its blend of breathtaking sights and a deep-rooted soccer culture. Soccer is a popular topic in local bars and on the beaches, where you’ll get to experience an unforgettable city atmosphere.
Africa and Asia: Exploring New Soccer Frontiers
While residents have played soccer in Africa and Asia for many decades, the recent success in league and international soccer tournaments has sparked more awareness among global fans. Morocco’s semi-final appearance in the last FIFA World Cup was Africa’s first, while the Saudi Pro League continues to attract some of the sport’s household names. Consider these picturesque African and Asian stops on your soccer travels:
- Cape Town, South Africa: Home to Stellenbosch FC, Cape Town City and the incomparable Table Mountain
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Home to Al-Hilal FC and four other Saudi Pro League teams
Cape Town, South Africa
What makes soccer in Cape Town special? Although Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national soccer team, has endured some tough years, it has risen to 55th in the FIFA World Rankings and has just qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As of September 2025, it was on an unbeaten 22-match international streak, behind only fellow African nation, Senegal. South Africa plays many international fixtures in Cape Town, home to the PSL teams Stellenbosch FC and recently-relegated Cape Town City.
As a visitor, you’ll enjoy the vibrant soccer culture of South African fans. Cape Town is a city on many travelers’ radars (and one of Chanel & Stevo’s favourite cities), even if they don’t follow soccer. With a cable car ride up Table Mountain, a ferry ride to Robben Island (which was a prison home for many years to the late Nelson Mandela), and a short trip to some of the world’s best wineries, there’s so much to keep you busy.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Is soccer worth watching in Saudi Arabia? Riyadh, the capital city, seamlessly blends modern amenities with a rich Middle Eastern heritage, making it a captivating destination for tourists and fans to experience high-quality soccer. Visitors can explore stunning landmarks, such as the 992-foot state-of-the-art Kingdom Centre, and the museum at the historic Masmak Fortress, while enjoying incredible comforts, shopping and dining experiences. For soccer enthusiasts, Riyadh boasts a wealth of global talent. Al Hilal is a standout club, boasting a passionate fan base and a legacy of success.
The other local clubs, Al Nassr and Al Ahli, contribute to a city rivalry filled with international superstars. Cristiano Ronaldo turns out for Al Nassr, with ex-EPL players Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney wearing Al Ahli’s colors. For Al Hilal, the recently signed Darwin Nunez is fast becoming a favorite among the team and staff at its impressive King Saud University home. With its dynamic atmosphere and thrilling soccer action, Riyadh is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for nomadic soccer supporters and other travelers, from far and wide.
Europe: The Epicenter of Soccer Glory
What about European soccer? Finding yourself in Europe will leave you with numerous established and recognized soccer cities to choose from. Consider calling on these destinations if you’re in soccer’s capital continent:
- Munich, Germany: It’s home to the great Bayern Munich, one of soccer’s most successful clubs.
- Madrid, Spain: Bullfighting, paella and Real Madrid…what more could you want?
- Turin, Italy: Soccer-mad residents support Juventus or Torino, and there are some spectacular Alpine views.
- Liverpool, England: This city is the home of the Beatles and Liverpool FC, the current holders of the EPL title. It’s a city where music and soccer collide in a special way.
- Glasgow, Scotland: Experience the traditional and colorful local rivalry between Celtic and Rangers on a matchday at Celtic Park or Ibrox.
Wherever There’s Soccer, You’ll Feel at Home
No matter whether you’re on a soccer terrace at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City or blowing a vuvuzela at the DHL Cape Town Stadium, the camaraderie you’ll experience with fellow supporters of the Beautiful Game will make you feel a sense of belonging. Relish the experience and partake in the local sights and cultural heritage while you do so.
Author bio: Jack Shaw is a freelance lifestyle writer and dedicated traveler. His writing focuses on exploring the food, culture and beautiful views of wherever life decides to throw him. Stories of his travel can be seen in Modded, Trekaroo, The Travel Magazine and more. Jack has a love of all things outdoors, and spends much of his free time taking on local hiking trails and state parks.
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