The Maracanazo: The Most Attended Sporting Event in History

Overview: The most attended sporting event in history took place on July 16, 1950, during the FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Known as the “Maracanazo,” this match saw an official attendance of 173,850, with estimates suggesting over 200,000 spectators.

The Match: Brazil, the favorite, needed only a draw to win the World Cup, while Uruguay required a victory. Despite Brazil taking the lead, Uruguay staged a dramatic comeback to win 2-1, stunning the massive crowd and creating one of the most memorable upsets in sports history.

Impact: The Maracanazo had a profound impact on Brazilian football and culture, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of the sport.

Significance: This event remains a testament to the power of football to captivate and unite people on an unprecedented scale, solidifying its place in the annals of sporting history.