Located in the Southeast Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, or ‘Beagá’ as the city is famously known, has become the nations third largest city while remaining somewhat unknown to the rest of the world. Situated slightly inland away from the coasts, the city is renowned for it’s lush green area’s and it’s careful city planning. To the surprise of many, Belo Horizonte is widely known for being the Bar capital of Brazil, having more drinking establishments per capita than any other city in Brazil.

The city lives for soccer. Home to the second largest stadium in Brazil and one of the most historic venues in South American soccer, Estadio Mineirao will provide one of the most exciting and vibrant atmospheres throughout the 2014 World Cup, including one of the semi-final matches.

As the capital city of Brazil, Brasilia is one of the most Modern cities in South America as it was founded just over 50 years ago in 1960. All of Brazil’s federal Government, executive and legislative power is located in this city. Due to it’s incredible architectural features such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasilia and the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, Brasilia is the only city in the world constructed in the 20th century to have been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Holding true with Brazil’s reputation of hosting first-rate sporting events, Brasilia will be a host city for the 2014 World Cup and will utilize the brand new National Stadium of Brasilia, a 70,000 seat stadium that has yet to host it’s first match.

Nicknamed ‘The Green Ciy’ for it’s natural location n Western Brazil, Cuiaba is comprised of three of Brazil’s most infamous ecosystems; the savannahs of the Cerrado, the wetlands of the Pantanal and of course, the Amazon. In addition to the unique greenery and landscape, the city sits next to one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in South America, the Chapada dos Guimaraes, which is host to one of the better-known National Parks in Brazil. In preparation for the prestigious tournament, Cuiaba is building a brand new 45,000 seat stadium, the Arena Pantanal, that will host all matches in that region.

Being the city located at the exact center point of South America, it is equidistant (approximately 2,000km) from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is widely considered the warmest climate in the country during the summer. If you are traveling to a match in Cuiaba during the 2014 World Cup, be sure to prepare for the heat!

As the most populous city in the southern region of Brazil (1.8 million inhabitants), it is widely known as the fastest growing metropolitan area of Brazil. Expanding with great responsibility, it has become an international role model for dealing with rapid economic and environmental growth. As it’s greatest expansion period was during Brazil’s largest immigration process in the 19th century, Curitaba is greatly influenced by Italian, German, Polish and Ukrainian culture. Home to two of Brazil’s top football clubs, the Durival de Britto e Silva stadium, which hosted matches at the 1950 World Cup, will remain as one of the twelve host venues during the 2014 World Cup tournament.

An urban paradise located on the tropical waters of Northeast Brazil, Fortaleza will be one of the most beautiful host cities to visit during the 2014 World Cup. A great place to relax, enjoy some tropical beverages and enjoy the lively culture, this urban location is lined with breathtaking beaches and a pulsating nightlife. Well known for it’s famous ‘Barracas’ (restaurants built on the beach sand providing excellent food, drink and music), Fortaleza will host one of the best coastal and celebratory scenes during the tournament. With the city being home to two major Brazilian football clubs (Ceara Sporting Club and Fortaleza Esporte Clube), the Castelao stadium is a well-known home to Brazilian football and is undergoing an expansion to host up to 67,000 fans during the 2014 World Cup.

Known as the metropolis of the Amazon, Manaus sits as the urban capital in the middle of the Amazon Jungle. If you’re looking to experience the 2014 World Cup while getting lost in the majestic surroundings that is the Amazon Jungle, then this is the place for you. Sitting at the convergence point of two of Brazil’s largest rivers (Negro and Solimoes), it provides for one of most naturally beautiful surroundings in Brazil. With it’s combination of local culture, spectacular natural beauty and lively football tradition, it will be one of the most unique host cities that the FIFA World Cup has ever seen.

Vivaldo holds 42,000 people. The current stadium Vivaldo Lima will be transformed into the new Arena da Amazônia. Even before choosing Manaus as a 2014 World Cup host city, the Vivaldo Lima Stadium (the Vilvadãto) already featured as the stage of great matches. Among the teams to take the pitch, we have the Brazilian national team and international clubs, such as Cosmos from New York and Porto from Portugal.

Nicknamed Cidade do Sol (The Sun City), Natal is best known for its stunning beaches, tropical climate and over 300 days of sunshine per year. With a strong history dating back to the 1500’s, Natal (meaning ‘Christmas’ in Portuguese) has become one of the most attractive cities in Rio Grande do Norte for international tourism. Host to one of the most well known coastal avenues in Brazil, Via Costeira runs throughout Natal is home to hundreds of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and remarkable beaches.

The southern most host city for the FIFA World Cup, Porto Alegre lies on the eastern bank of the Guaiba River at a convergence point of 5 rivers. Considered one of the greenest cities in Brazil, Porto Alegre shares much of its cultural influence with its neighboring countries of Argentina and Uruguay. Home to two of the most famous soccer clubs in Brazil (Sprot Club Internacional and  Gremio Foot-Ball Alegrense), Porto Alegre is widely known throughout the continent as being a powerhouse in Club football and producing some of the best young talent that Brazil has ever seen.

Referred to as ‘the capital of the north-east’, Recife is a coastal city that will host a number of 2014 FIFA World Cup matches. With various beaches considered to be some of the most impressive in the region, the Dutch-influenced architecture has earned Recife the nickname “The Brazilian Venice.” Its rich historical culture comes from its European origin, as the Dutch West India Company dominated the area for many years. It hosts a number of fruitful sights such as the city of Olinda, which was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1982.

Recife may just be the most soccer-crazed city in Brazil. With 3 prominent clubs in the city, each having their own private stadium, there will be no shortage of football fanatics during the 2014 World Cup. Although they have three stadiums for soccer in the region, the local government has decided to construct a new, more modern stadium to fulfill the grand scale that is the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

What can be said about Rio de Janeiro? Beaches, Nightlife, Spectacular views, Rio has it all. Home to the largest stadium in South America and the World Cup Final, Rio de Janeiro will be one of the greatest cities in the world during the 2014 tournament. Well-known for it’s infamous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, it is also host to the Christ the Redeemer Statue which was recently declared one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. The combination of Rio’s natural beauty, vibrant nightlife and incredible urban feel will make this the heart of the tournament and THE place to be during the summer of 2014.

Estadio De Maracana holds 76,000 people. This famous stadium is truly a majestic and historic monument as well as sporting arena. Built in the heart of Rio de Janeiro for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, the colossal stadium has held some of the most unforgettable moments in Brazilian and worldwide soccer, such as Pele's 1000th career goal for Santos against Vasco on 19 November 1969.

As the original city to be colonized by the Portuguese in the early fourteenth century, Salvador began as the main pole of South American slave trade. Due to this unique history, Salvador remains under a strong influence of African and Portuguese culture. The African influence is everywhere in Salvador, from art and food to it’s vibrant, colorful architecture. With is rich cultural background and spectacular heritage, Salvador has earned itself the nickname “The Black Rome.”

When it comes to soccer, the Salvador population is as passionate as they come. With top-notch youth academies that have produced players such as Bebeto and Dida, the city of Salvador is anxiously awaiting the 2014 World Cup and has leveled their previous stadium to build one of the most magnificent structures in Brazil. Areana Fonte Nova holds 60,000 people. The new Arena Fonte Nova’s design includes an opening at the southern end that provides a view of the Tororó Dam.

As the largest city in Brazil, Sao Paulo is the business and financial hub of the nation. Located just south of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo will host one of the two semi-final matches in 2014 and will remain one of the premier destinations during the tournament. With one of the most vibrant cultures in Brazil, Sao Paulo is home to numerous concerts, over 12,000 restaurants and some of the most breathtaking hotels in the southern region. It’s no surprise that the city is home to the two busiest airports in South America!

Sao Paulo is also known to be the birthplace of Brazilian soccer. With three of the most prominent clubs in South America (Corinthians, Sao Paulo and Palmeiras), they have seen multiple champions come and go through their magnificent city. One of the original host cities for the 1950 World Cup, Sao Paulo has made massive expansions to host some of the most important matches in the world during the 2014 tournament, including one of the two Semi-Final matches.