In modern football, stadiums are more than just places to play—they’re symbols of ambition, innovation, and identity. As the sport has grown into a global industry, so too has the scale and cost of the arenas where it is played.
From high-tech designs to multi-purpose facilities, clubs and countries have invested billions in creating venues that deliver unforgettable experiences. Below, we count down the 10 most expensive football stadiums ever built, based on construction costs—starting from No. 10 and ending with the most costly of all.
10. London Stadium – £486 million
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Originally built for the 2012 Olympics, the London Stadium is now home to West Ham United. It holds up to 66,000 fans for football matches and is used for concerts and other major events.
Also known as the Gazprom Arena, this futuristic stadium in Saint Petersburg resembles a spaceship. It was built ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and hosts up to 68,000 spectators.
Home to Real Madrid, the iconic Santiago Bernabéu has been modernized in recent years, including the addition of a retractable roof. It seats over 80,000 fans and is electric on European nights.
7. Estadio Nacional – £600 million
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Located in Brasília, Brazil, this stadium hosted matches during the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2014 World Cup. With a capacity of over 69,000, it’s one of the country’s top venues.
6. Olympic Stadium (Montreal) – £1 billion
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Built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, the “Big O” is one of Canada’s largest and most expensive stadiums. Despite its iconic design, it’s also remembered for its massive construction debt.
5. Wembley Stadium – £1 billion
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Wembley is England’s national stadium and the largest in the UK, holding 90,000 spectators. Known for its massive arch, it hosts FA Cup finals, international games, and major concerts.
Opened in 2019, this ultra-modern stadium seats nearly 63,000 fans and includes a retractable pitch. It’s designed for both football and NFL games, making it one of the most versatile venues in the world.
3. Singapore National Stadium – £1 billion
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Part of the Singapore Sports Hub, this high-tech stadium has a retractable roof and a sleek dome design. Though it seats just 55,000, its advanced features make it one of the most expensive globally.
2. Mercedes-Benz Stadium – £1 billion
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Located in Atlanta, this multipurpose venue hosts both NFL and MLS games. With a capacity of 71,000 and a unique retractable roof, it’s set to be one of the 2026 World Cup venues.
1. Yankee Stadium – £1.5 billion
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Primarily home to the New York Yankees, this stadium also hosts New York City FC. Despite its steep price tag, it cannot host official international matches due to size and configuration limitations.
