FIFA has confirmed the six cities and seven venues that will host the soccer tournament at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The 58 matches in the men’s and women’s tournaments will be held at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo (below), the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janiero, the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brasilia’s Mané Garrincha Stadium, the Amazônia Arena in Manaus and the Mineirão in Belo Horizonte. Rio’s Maracanã (above) is set to host both finals.
The addition of the Amazônia Arena to the list comes after months of criticism at the level of public spending on the seldom-used stadium in rainforest-located Manaus.
“The inclusion of Manaus in the Rio 2016 Olympic schedule will enrich the tournament with a visit of the football players to one of the most iconic locations in the world,” said Rio 2016 and Brazilian Olympic Committee president Carlos Nuzman. “I am certain that the Amazon will welcome the Olympic world with a memorable celebration.”
Marco Polo Del Nero, chairman of the Fifa organizing committee for the Olympic football tournaments, added: “The Olympic soccer tournaments will be a fantastic opportunity to revive the great atmosphere seen during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, not only in Rio de Janeiro but also in the other five cities.
“They did an excellent job in 2014, and now they can use the World Cup stadia and infrastructure already in place to unite the country for a major event once more. I am confident that the participating teams will have an unforgettable Olympic experience.”
April 16, 2015
