the stadium was inaugurated before brazil's 1950 world cup, and hosted five of the home country's six matches, not to mention the famous loss against uruguay in the final of that year's tournament.

before the game, it was agreed that the newly-built maracanã would be painted with the colors of the winners. brazil lost the game, and the stadium was painted in the white and light blue of the uruguayan team. 

maracanã was extensively refurbished for the 2014 competition, to accommodate over 75,000 fans as comfortably as possible. however, the original layout of the stadium remains, so that the iconic shape and design continue to make an impression on all who visit the maracanã.   the stadium's façade is listed by brazil's national institute of historical and artistic heritage.