The late writer David Foster Wallace once declared, “Beauty is not the goal of competitive sports, but high-level sports are a prime venue for the expression of human beauty.” For the 2014 World Cup, that expression takes the form of 12 magnificent stadiums across Brazil. In anticipation of the monthlong, global tournament, AD surveys these dazzling, innovative spaces -- some recently renovated, others completely new.

-- Nick Mafi

Incredible Stadiums Of 2014 World Cup Slideshow

Arena Fonte Nova (2014)

Architects: Marc Duwe and Claas Schulitz City: Salvador Photo courtesy of David Campbell Agencia

Arena Fonte Nova (2014)

Architects: Marc Duwe and Claas Schulitz City: Salvador

Arena Das Dunas (2014)

Architect: Christopher Lee City: Natal

Arena Das Dunas (2014)

Architect: Christopher Lee City: Natal

Arena Pernambuco (2013)

Architect: Fernandes Arquitetos Associados City: Recife

Arena Pernambuco (2013)

Architect: Fernandes Arquitetos Associados City: Recife

Arena Pantanal (2014)

Architect: GCP Arquitetos City: Cuiaba

Arena Pantanal (2014)

Architect: GCP Arquitetos City: Cuiaba

Estadio Do Maracana (1950, redesigned in 2013)

Original Architects: Waldir Ramos, Raphael Galvão, Miguel Feldman, Oscar Valdetaro, Pedro Paulo B. Bastos, Orlando Azevedo, and Antônio Dias Carneiro Renovation by Knut Göppert with Knut Stockhusen and Thomas Moschner and Miriam Sayeg (Roof), Daniel Fernandes Arquitectos (Interior) City: Rio de Janeiro Photo: Erica Ramalho