The 2014 FIFA World Cup is officially underway and as anticipation for the upcoming games reaches fever pitch, fans of the beautiful game will be descending on some of Brazil’s hottest postcodes. Here are the football-focused Brazil locations that fans are most likely to be traversing in the upcoming weeks and months.

08295-005 – Arena de São Paulo

Also known as the Arena Corinthians this São Paulo venue will play host to a number of key fixtures for World Cup. The opening match in group A - Brazil v Croatia – took place here on June 12th and the venue will also play host to the nail-biting semi-final.


Picture credit: Edson Lopes Jr/A2 FOTOGRAFIA 

22610010 – Royal Tulip Hotel, Rio de Janeiro

Ensuring that they are at the heart of the action the England team are bunking down in Rio’s Royal Tulip Hotel. With a location overlooking the São Conrado beach the team should have all they need to inspire a winning streak. And what could be better than heading out to soak up Rio’s nightlife after a big-win?


Picture credit: Rubem Porto Jr

25950-000 - CBF National Training Center, Teresópolis

In a time honoured tradition the Brazil team will be readying themselves for matches at Granja Comary – CBF’s (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol) National Training Center in the city of Teresópolis. With a swimming pool, multi-media room and impressive hilltop views players certainly won’t be missing out on five-star luxury.


Picture credit: Nicson Olivier 

20271-150 - Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

They eyes of the world will be on the Estádio do Maracanã, the largest of the World Cup venues, on July 13th as it plays host to the World Cup final. While it’s still anyone’s game, as the host city Brazil will no doubt be keeping its fingers crossed for a glorious victory. 


Picture credit: Digo_Souza