The world’s number-one sport is always being played somewhere, somehow, no matter what the weather’s doing. Here’s where you can take in a match in some farflung corners of the globe.
1. Nashville, USA
While most major football leagues go into their break in the summer, America’s Major League Soccer (MLS) runs from February to November. Soccer is getting more and more popular in the States, and is now the third-most-watched sport after basketball and American football. It’s a great time to get acquainted with their take on watching the beautiful game.
While you’ll certainly be spending some time at the 30,000-capacity Geodis Park soccer stadium, Nashville has much to offer. It’s considered the home of country music, which you can discover at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Then, visit the Johnny Cash Museum, see some live gigs or even book in for a recording studio experience.
Start your trip here:
- Find cheap flights to Nashville
- Bask by the pool when you stay at Bobby Hotel
- Join an Underground Donut Tour of Downtown Nashville
2. Seoul, South Korea
Like in the US, football is a summer sport in Japan and South Korea. But you’ll find that your holiday budget goes further in good-value South Korea.
Most holidays to South Korea start in capital Seoul, home to the 66,704-seater Seoul World Cup Stadium. As its name suggests, the stadium was built for the 2002 World Cup, which famously hosted Senegal’s surprise opening day victory over France, and Germany’s semi-final win over the hosts. These days, the stadium is used by FC Seoul, where Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min played as a youngster.
There’s plenty to see and do on non-matchdays. Get a feel for old Seoul by touring the palaces, temples and fortresses.
Start your trip here:
- Find cheap flights to Seoul
- Stay at Mayplace Seoul Dongdaemun, one of the city’s highest-rated hotels
- Go on a tour of the incredible Gyeongbokgung Palace
3. Sao Paulo, Brazil
From Pele and Garrincha to Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, Brazilian footballers have shaped the way that the game is played. Much of this is attributed to the nation’s love of futsal, a fast-paced and highly skilled indoor football league. In Sao Paulo, you can watch the formidable Corinthians team take part in Liga Nacional de Futsal, the same club that plays in the national football league.
Brazil has a relatively low cost of living, making it a great value holiday destination. Aside from the futsal in Sao Paulo, you’ll see street art, scorching-hot beaches and incredible architecture – including the magnificent Catedral de Se de São Paulo, pictured below.
Start your trip here:
- Find cheap flights to Sao Paulo
- Relax with a stay at Tryp Sao Paulo Higienopolis Hotel
- Take a day trip to Campos do Jordao, the Switzerland of Brazil
4. Nazaré, Portugal
Just as Wembley is home to football, Nazaré is home to beach football. Every summer, the Atlantic town hosts some of the best players and tournaments, including the World Cup, Euro Winners Cup and the Euro Beach Soccer League. Nazaré is also popular among surfers, as the waters here offer some of the biggest and most rideable waves in the world thanks to a vast, underwater canyon just off the coast.
Away from the beach, there are huge limestone caves to explore, fishing villages to visit and road trips to Lisbon to enjoy – the capital is just an hour and a half’s drive down the coast.
Start your trip here:
- Find cheap flights to Lisbon (the nearest international airport)
- Unwind at Hotel Praia
- Take a full day tour of the magnificent caves in Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park
5. London, UK
Finally, no list would be complete without a mention of one of the world’s most famous football cities, London. Boasting 7 top-flight teams, the football pedigree of the capital is undeniable (although tickets to the big games can be hard to come by).
For those looking for a football adventure outside of the top league teams, London has you covered. Teams from all levels of the football pyramid draw thousands in for their 3pm Saturday kick-offs, such as the bright pink clad Dulwich Hamlet or the historic Corinthian Casuals. Football aside, London’s cultural scene is amongst the best in the world. Whether it’s a visit to one of the many museums, a trip to Borough Market or an evening on the town in one of the many nightlife hotspots, you certainly won’t be short of things to do after the final whistle blows.
Start your trip here:
- Find cheap flights to London
- Relax with a stay at Safety London Kensington Holland Park
- Tour Wembley Stadium – the home of football
No matter where you go to watch football, there’s always a willing host city, no matter the time of year. Save money on your trip by searching for flights, hotels and car rentals on Skyscanner.
