By Renne Domingos
Arena Pantanal hosted four 2014 FIFA men’s World Cup matches, all during the group stage (Photo: Archive)
Arena Pantanal is one of the stadiums built to host matches during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It is located in Cuiabá, the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, in the country’s Central-West region.
The stadium was constructed in the heart of the Pantanal, one of Brazil’s most iconic and biodiverse biomes, giving the project a special symbolic value for hosting the FIFA tournament and highlighting the region’s natural richness.
2014 World Cup
Arena Pantanal hosted four World Cup matches, all during the group stage. The stadium was the venue for Chile’s 3–1 win over Australia, Colombia’s 4–1 victory against Japan, Russia’s 1–1 draw with South Korea, and Nigeria’s 1–0 win over Bosnia.
That last match recorded the highest attendance of the tournament at the venue, with 40,499 fans. During the clash between Colombia and Japan, spectators also witnessed one of the most beautiful goals of the competition, scored by James Rodríguez, who would later emerge as one of the standout players of that World Cup.
First match and official goal
The opening match at Arena Pantanal took place on April 2, 2014, when Mixto faced Santos in the first round of the Copa do Brasil. The match ended in a scoreless draw, but attracted more than 17,000 fans and generated revenue of R$748,760.
The first official goal at the stadium was only scored on April 26, during a Série B match of the national league. Striker Reinaldo opened the scoring in Luverdense’s 2–1 victory over Vasco, marking the stadium’s first goal in official competition.
Record attendances
Despite hosting World Cup matches, Arena Pantanal’s largest crowd was recorded during the 2018 Série C final. The match between Cuiabá and Operário-PR, which decided the title, drew 41,311 spectators.
Rounding out the top three highest attendances at Arena Pantanal are the World Cup matches Nigeria vs. Bosnia and Colombia vs. Japan, with crowds of 40,499 and 40,340 fans, respectively.