15 International Stadiums Known for the Greatest Underdog Victories

7. Maracanã Stadium, Rio – Uruguay’s "Maracanazo"

The Maracanã Stadium, one of the most iconic arenas in football history, was the site of one of the greatest underdog victories ever recorded. On July 16, 1950, the FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay unfolded before an unprecedented crowd of nearly 200,000 spectators. Brazil, the overwhelming favorite, had dominated the tournament and only needed a draw to clinch the trophy. The atmosphere in the Maracanã was electric as Brazil opened the scoring early in the second half. However, Uruguay refused to be intimidated. With remarkable composure, they equalized through Juan Alberto Schiaffino before Alcides Ghiggia stunned the home crowd with the winning goal. The final whistle left Brazil in disbelief, with Uruguay claiming a 2-1 victory in what became known as the "Maracanazo." This historic upset remains a symbol of resilience and a testament to the unpredictable beauty of football.