Top 5 Highest-Capacity Football Stadiums in Asia
Football is a game of passion, and few places capture that energy like a packed stadium. These five mega-stadiums spread across Asia aren’t just venues — they’re temples of sport where national pride, roaring crowds, and unforgettable moments collide. With capacities that rival entire cities, they’re built to hold not just fans, but legacies.
From the monumental scale of Pyongyang’s Rungrado 1st of May Stadium to the futuristic design of Lusail in Qatar and the vibrant buzz of Tokyo’s Japan National Stadium, these arenas define the continent’s love for the beautiful game. Here are the top 5 highest-capacity football stadiums in Asia.
1. Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (114.000 Capacity)
With a staggering capacity of around 114,000 seats, Rungrado 1st of May Stadium holds the title of the world’s largest football stadium. Opened in 1989, this massive venue hosts not only football and athletics events but also grand performances like the Arirang Mass Games. It serves as home to the North Korean national team and April 25 Sports Club. Its scalloped roof, designed to resemble a magnolia blossom, makes it a standout on the skyline. A quirky fun fact: it hosted a pro-wrestling event in 1995 with a reported 350,000 spectators over two nights.
2. Lusail Stadium (88.966 Capacity)
Boasting a capacity of 88,966, Lusail Stadium is the largest in Qatar and the entire Middle East. Opened in 2021, the stadium gained global attention as the venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and France. Though not linked to a specific club, it is managed by the Qatar Football Association and used for top-tier national and international matches. Designed by Foster + Partners, the stadium is a centerpiece of Qatar’s sporting ambition and modern architecture.
3. Bukit Jalil National Stadium (87.411 Capacity)
With 87,411 seats, Bukit Jalil is the largest stadium in Southeast Asia. Built for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, it has become the home of the Malaysian national football team and hosts a range of events, from regional football tournaments to major concerts. A 2017 renovation added modern touches, including LED lighting and an updated facade. Coldplay and Ed Sheeran have both rocked the stadium in front of sold-out crowds.
4. Jakarta International Stadium (82.000 Capacity)
Indonesia’s pride, Jakarta International Stadium, holds 82,000 fans and serves as home ground for Persija Jakarta. It also occasionally hosts the Indonesian national team. Officially opened in 2022, it features a retractable roof and hybrid grass. During the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, it hosted more matches than any other venue. The design pays homage to Betawi culture, with traditional patterns embedded into its sleek exterior. While Indonesia, the sleeping giant of Asia, currently pushes to qualify for the World Cup since its last appearance 88 years ago, venues like this signal its rising ambitions on the global stage.
5. Japan National Stadium (80.016 Capacity)
Originally built for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Japan National Stadium accommodates 68,000 people (expandable to 80,000). It’s a multi-purpose venue used by Japan’s national football and rugby teams. Designed with a wooden lattice roof and wide concourses, the stadium is a stunning fusion of tradition and modernity. It remains central to Japan’s sporting identity, with hopes to host more major international competitions in the future.
Ready for more?
Interested in football stadiums? Then check out this story about the top 5 highest capacity stadiums in South America.
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