Brazil is getting set to host the world’s biggest football tournament next summer, and FIFA 2014 promises to provide fans with some of the most exciting and unique cities and venues that the world has to offer as you go about the business of following your favorite team.
From the country’s financial and business hub in Sao Paulo to the visual delights that await visitors in Salvador, anyone paying Brazil a visit between June 12 and July 14, 2024 to take in FIFA action will have some of the world’s most interesting landscapes and cities to explore in the meantime.
Here is a look at four of the biggest FIFA 2014 cities, along with a few tips to help you to follow your favorite team throughout the tournament:
1. Sao Paulo
One of Brazil’s largest cities, not to mention the central hub of the country’s football leagues, Sao Paulo boasts a population of more than 11 million people, making it Brazil’s financial and business hub in every way.
Those credentials aside, Sao Paulo is also well-known as a cultural center boasting an unbelievable nightlife and a great passion for football events, and any visitor who comes in the summer of 2014 to follow their favorite team will be able to detect this instantly via the almost palpable energy that the city emits.
Local clubs like the Corinthians, Palmeiras, and the Morumbi will be vying for the FIFA title, making Sao Paulo the perfect stop for a fan looking to keep tabs on their favorite Brazilian clubs!
2. Brasilia
Home to nearly three million people, Brasilia is the country’s capital, playing host to its main governmental functions. If you journey here in order to get in on some FIFA action, you’ll find yourself with a very unique and modern city to explore, one that was only designed and built beginning in 1956.
As far as football is concerned, Brasilia is home to two of the nation’s most successful teams: the Sociedade Esportiva do Gama and Brasiliense Futebol Clube.
Being Brazil’s capital, Brasilia will have a major role to play in both ceremonies related to the tournament and the matches themselves, giving visitors access to some of the best that the FIFA 2014 tournament will have to offer, no matter which club you’re cheering for.
You’ll also get to visit the Nilson Nelson, the city’s state of the art stadium that seats up to 70,000 roaring fans.
3. Natal
Boasting an average annual temperature of 28? C and about 300 days of clear skies and sunshine every year, the city of Natal is one of Brazil’s most attractive to locals and tourists alike. Besides providing a touch of the tropical, Natal also plays host to three of the top teams that the state of Rio Grande do Norte has to offer, including Alecrim Futebol Clube, America Futebol Clube and ABC Futebol Clube.
A visit to Natal in order to take in FIFA 2014 action will allow you to enjoy the weather and take in some of the exploits of your favorite clubs on the field, with the city’s Maria Lamas Farache stadium playing host to matches in the tournament’s Group A and G early in the tournament.
4. Salvador
The very first Brazilian city to result from colonization efforts, Salvador is now home to more than 3.5 million people in its metro area, making it one of the country’s biggest modern cities. Especially unique in culture thanks to the deep impact of African slaves and immigrants, Salvador offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors to the country, especially where the upcoming FIFA 2014 tournament is concerned.
Boasting the highest average game attendance to be found in Brazil, Salvador’s clubs include two of the most beloved in South America: the Esporte Clube Bahia and the Esporte Clube Vitoria. Those clubs aside, Salvador also has the distinction of having produced previous FIFA World Cup champions Bebeto and Dida.
Traveling tools:
- Have this event calendar saved or bookmarked. It’s an official live list of upcoming events. Here’s a guide on using the calendar on your smartphone or tablet.
- LonelyPlanet offers some great Brazil travel guides - be sure to go through all of them.
- Whether you plan to fly in and explore on foot, by tourist bus, or via your own private wheels rented from CheapCarRental.net
Playing a central role in the FIFA 2014 proceedings, Salvador will host matches within Groups B, E, F, and G.
Written by Annie Wallace
Annie is the travel addict and lifestyle blogger. You can see her tweet at @ViralMomTweets.
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