Rio de Janeiro Lower League Matchday Experience
5.00 (out of 5 stars, based on5 reviews)
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

Hosted by:
Matheus
25 tours
5 (124 reviews)
What's Included
What we will do in this experience
Football in Rio de Janeiro has its origins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with numerous clubs and stadiums emerging in the most localities of the city. Over the decades, only 4 of them remained big and compete in Brazil’s top leagues, but the vast majority still preserve their local traditions, stadiums and culture! Come and discover with me an authentic experience and neighbourhood atmosphere in the suburb of Rio de Janeiro, unlike all the glamour of the big clubs and stadiums!
Here the stories of these clubs and stadiums are preserved by the residents of these neighbourhoods and what remains of their fanatical fans. A bar with cheap beer, traditional snacks and that conversation with local fans are striking features of these games.
Most games are from the lower divisions of Rio de Janeiro, from the 2nd to the 5th division. But it may also be that we have some national level game, such as the third and fourth division and/or first phases of the Copa do Brasil. Full of great emotions, all games are from clubs considered of “lowest investment”, the typical ‘underdogs’ of Rio de Janeiro.
This experience has pick up in the city centre region or South Zone (Copacabana and Ipanema), tickets and the local guide. No need to worry about planning where to go, how to get a ticket for entrance or how to travel. We got you covered!
From the former big clubs such as Bangu AC and America FC that have already appeared in the first national division and are one of the eight clubs that have already won the Carioca Championship, to centennial and traditional clubs such as Olaria AC, Madureira EC and Bonsucesso FC! The variety of grounds that are hidden gems, the history, the neighbourhoods and the pre games experiences in our lower divisions is undoubtedly the biggest charms of visiting these clubs!
Upcoming Rio de Janeiro Lower League games available
Note: matchs exact day and time are decided only weeks or days before the game by the FFERJ (Rio de Janeiro Football Federation). Once the information is release we can confirm which game are available. But don’t worry, bookings can be made up to 24 hours before the game and you can also request something special, just send a message.
Meet Your Host

Matheus
Host since 2025
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5 (124 reviews)
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25 tours
What's Included in Your Experience
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Match ticket
Match ticket
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English speaking Local Host
English speaking Local Host
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01 welcome drink
01 welcome drink
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A local pre-match experience
A local pre-match experience
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Transport
Transport
5.00 (5 reviews)
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Charlie Bradford
5 •
This was my ninth game with Homefans and a very memorable one as local host Matheus met me at my hotel and got an Uber to the game in a friendly crowd who all treated us with great respect learning we had come over from England. Matheus also bought us refreshments and helped with our interactions with the locals and getting enthused for the game. Once again thoroughly recommended.
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Charlie Bradford
5 •
This was my eighth game with Homefans and so you can see how much I appreciate them and trust them. Local host Matheus took us from our hotel to and from Nova Cidade via an Uber, bought our tickets, food and drink, and helped with translation for purchasing merchandise and talking to the locals. He helped us feel like a brother with his kind attitude and respect, as did the Nova Cidade fans who gave us shirts, stickers and hats and allowed us to go on the pitch after the game to take pictures including pictures with a few of their players. Honestly one of the happiest afternoons I’ve had at a game!
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Greg Matthews
5 •
This was not the first time I’ve used Homefans. For a non Portuguese speaker, going to a game in Brazil would have been problematic. However, once again the matchday experience went smoothly. My family & I met Matheus in Ipanema & we travelled to the game (7 de Abril v Serrano) together. Our guide, Matheus, is knowledgeable, charming & very funny & my family have loved his company. We did many, many things in Rio, and the home fans matchdays were the highlight.
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Greg Matthews
5 •
I’m in my 50s & all my life I’d wanted see football in Brazil. I went to see Portuguesa RJ v Sampaio CorrêaSampa & it was worth the wait. Our guide was Matheus & he was amazing. He was very attentive & made contact with me from the time of the booking process right up to the day of the game. Matheus was so good I’d say he was the best guide I’ve ever had on any tour. The experience was so good I’ve booked another match a few days later. The great thing about these trips are you are with local people in places most tourists do not visit. On the day of the game the locals loved it that “gringos” had travelled to see their team & we were treated like celebrities by the Portuguesa fans. Thank you Matheus & Home fans for making this dream possible.
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Matt Barnes
5 •
It's true to say the lower leagues in any country showcase the past, the culture and the heritage of superstar football that we know and love. This your gave me the knowledge of just that. Matheus may be a Flamengo fan, but he has an encyclopedic knowledge of the clubs that paved the way. Also, the stadiums are like living museums. The football itself may not be tiki taka, but that's charming in its own way, and let's face it, we don't go to stadiums to watch a match. Go, you will not regret it!
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FAQ
Simply choose your destination, pick your experience or trip, select your date, and follow the checkout process. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details.
Yes, you’ll need to create a free Homefans account during checkout to manage your bookings, receive updates, and communicate with your host.
Yes, all tickets provided through Homefans are official and guaranteed. We work directly with clubs, trusted providers, and local hosts.
Each experience clearly lists what’s included—typically your match ticket, a local host, and any additional pre- or post-game activities. Some multi-day trips include accommodation, transport, and extras.
Yes. We offer flexible cancellation terms on most experiences. Check the cancellation policy listed on the experience page or contact support for help.
You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details. Closer to the date, your local host will reach out with exact meeting points and final info.
Our hosts are passionate local fans who love sharing their club, city, and matchday traditions with travelers. They’re not tour guides—they’re insiders who make you feel like a local, not a tourist.
All Homefans hosts go through a vetting process, including interviews, experience design checks, and community guidelines. We only work with reliable, passionate, and knowledgeable locals.
The transportation service is detailed in the “What you get” section. However, in group experiences, it is common for the local host to schedule a convenient meeting point, providing the opportunity for everyone to head towards the event together.
Yes. Safety is a top priority. All experiences are led by trusted local hosts who know their cities, stadiums, and how to navigate matchdays safely. You’ll receive a full briefing, travel in a small group, and avoid risky areas. Many guests are first-time visitors, and our hosts make sure you feel welcome and secure.
No. All experiences are hosted in English. Your local host will also speak the native language and act as a bridge to make you feel part of the local football culture — even if you don’t speak a word of Spanish or Portuguese.
Absolutely. Many of our travelers join solo. Our small-group format (often 2–8 people) makes it easy to connect with others who share your love for football and culture. You’ll walk away with new friends from around the world.
With Homefans, you don’t just get a ticket — you get a full, curated local experience:
You’re welcomed and guided by a trusted fan host. You skip the stress of navigating matchday logistics alone/ You get to live football like a local, not just sit in the stands. This is football travel made personal, safe, and unforgettable.
It’s easy. Just choose your experience, select your date, and complete the booking through the Homefans platform. You’ll receive a confirmation email instantly. If you’re unsure which game to pick, you can message us directly or request help from our team.
Once you book, your local host will contact you directly via email or WhatsApp (depending on your preference). They’ll share:
The exact meeting point & time to meet. You’ll never be left guessing — everything is confirmed in advance.
Yes — most experiences have flexible cancellation terms. You can cancel or request changes via your Homefans account or by contacting support. Check each listing for the specific cancellation policy.
For some clubs and stadiums in Brazil, it is necessary to register for facial recognition. Clubs that require this procedure are clearly indicated in the description of each experience.
When booking your seats, the local host will contact you promptly to request the necessary information and guide you through the facial registration process. It is important to highlight that, for these clubs and stadiums, the registration of facial biometrics is mandatory, being the only way to access the stadium, as the ticket will be linked to this identification. Facial recognition registration is a policy of clubs and stadiums, and has no relationship with Homefans and/or local hosts.
Furthermore, to participate in the experience, you must agree to go through this process and register your face.
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