A Guide to Football in São Paulo
- Will Gerson
- May 17
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Home to three of Brazil’s most popular and successful teams, São Paulo is a dream destination for football fans. Each of the city’s clubs offers a lively and unique atmosphere, and a visit to any or all of the three stadiums is an excellent way to experience the culture of Latin America’s largest city.
What's in this Guide to Football in São Paulo
Corinthians
Corinthians, the city’s most popular team, proudly represents São Paulo’s working class. The club was founded in 1910 by a group of railroad workers and was named in homage to London’s Corinthian Football Club, whose tour of Brazil helped popularize the sport here.
Corinthians fans are among the most passionate in Brazil, and they are the second largest fanbase in the country after Rio’s Flamengo. The fans are famous for their undying support through good and bad, as the team has experienced its fair share of ups and downs over the years.
How to Get Tickets for Corinthians
The club plays its home matches on the city’s east side in the state-of-the-art Neo Química Arena, which was built for the 2014 World Cup. Because of the team’s immense popularity, tickets usually sell out during the presale for registered club members, so it is often a bit tricky for tourists to get tickets to games. However, we have a friend who resells tickets to games, so we can help put you in contact with him. Feel free to reach out to our email (leftturnstravel@gmail.com) or send us a message on Instagram.
Palmeiras
Palmeiras, eternal rival of Corinthians, is Brazil’s most successful club in terms of domestic trophies. Originally known as Palestra Itália, the club was founded by Italian immigrants and plays its home matches in the modern and comfortable Allianz Parque in the well-to-do neighborhood of Perdizes.
Though Palmeiras is sometimes derided as being a team of the upper classes and therefore lacking in atmosphere, you will find that this is far from the truth. On a matchday, the streets around the stadium are alive with fans, drumming, and food and drink. Head to Rua Palestra Itália and the side streets off of it a couple of hours before the game for a festive environment.
How to Get Tickets for Palmeiras
Tickets for Palmeiras matches can easily be purchased on the club’s website; just create an account to register your ID and a face scan beforehand. Tickets usually go on sale a couple of days before the game––you can check the website for details.
São Paulo FC
São Paulo FC plays its home matches at the Estádio do Morumbi, one of the largest stadiums in Brazil with a capacity of 72,000. Though they don’t often sell out nowadays, the team has a passionate following and a rich history: the club are three-time world champions, defeating European heavyweights FC Barcelona, AC Milan, and Liverpool in the respective finals.
On matchday, head to Avenida Jules Rimet a couple hours before kickoff to soak up the atmosphere. Grab a sanduíche de pernil (roast pork sandwich) at the corner with Rua Sérgio Paulo Freddi and mix with the home fans.
How to Get Tickets for São Paulo FC
Tickets are available to purchase online, but the club’s website has a habit of rejecting most foreign credit cards. However, we have a friend who can help you purchase tickets to matches, so we can put you in contact with him. Feel free to reach out to our email (leftturnstravel@gmail.com) or send us a message on Instagram.
