10 Bucket List–Worthy Soccer Experiences for Football Fans

This Brazilian experience allows you to enjoy a soccer game at one of Rio de Janeiro’s stadiums: Maracanã or Nilton Santos. You’ll benefit from a local guide and go home with a new allegiance—perhaps to Fluminense, Vasco da Gama, or Botafogo.

Take in the best of Scotland’s soccer history with a behind-the-scenes look at Celtic Park in Glasgow, which has one of the largest and most die-hard fanbases in Europe. You’ll hang out in the home team locker room, visit the dugout, and learn about legendary Scottish footballers.

Dig into a luxurious buffet, enjoy an open bar, and go home with a Roma scarf with this soccer experience which includes match tickets and seats in the Tribuna d’Onore VIP section in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. The history and dedication of the supporters and players will echo around the stadium as you sit back and enjoy the game.

Barcelona’s Camp Nou is one of the most historic and atmospheric stadiums in the world. This tour, which includes skip-the-line, priority access admission to the stadium and the FC Barcelona museum, offers fans a chance to visit the locker room, pitch, presidential box, press room, and even see the team’s glittering trophy collection at the museum.

Alternatively, if you support Real Madrid, consider a visit to Spain’s capital city for some of the most exciting soccer in the country. Take in a match at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium to cheer alongside the city’s energetic fan base.

A city with a fanatic appreciation for fútbol, Buenos Aires is the perfect place to get a taste of the South American soccer atmosphere. This experience includes a tour of the Boca Juniors stadium and museum with skip-the-line access and a visit to the changing rooms.

Manchester City is a highly successful soccer team with a dedicated international fanbase: Cityzens. Whether you're a Cityzen or not, don't skip the opportunity to tour the Etihad Stadium that Man City calls home on this tour, which also includes an audiovisual show and insider info from a Cityzen guide.

Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire. These days, it’s the gateway to Machu Picchu and one of the most interesting cities in South America. Before exploring Inca ruins, get a taste of local soccer with tickets to a Peruvian soccer match at the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega stadium.

Meet the author of “King Leo,” who has met and interviewed the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi and is a treasure trove of information about the player’s life. Meet the biographer at a cafe in Barcelona, sip an included drink, and ask any question that comes to mind about the legendary soccer star.

‘Footy’ is a sport found only on the sixth continent, resembling a mixture between rugby and American football. See an Australian Rules Football Match at one of the country’s largest stadiums, joined by a local host who can help you understand all the rules of this unique game.