Mexico City breaks Guinness record with 9,500-person soccer class
Mar 16th 2026
About 9,500 people practiced in the capital's Zocalo during a 40-minute session certified by Guinness as the largest soccer class, part of a lead-up campaign to the FIFA World Cup starting June 11.
- About 9,500 people took part in a 40-minute soccer training session in Mexico City's Zocalo.
- Guinness World Records judge Alfredo Arista certified the turnout as the new record, surpassing Seattle's 1,038-person mark from June 2025.
- The open-air class was part of a campaign ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which opens June 11 at Estadio Azteca and is co-hosted by Mexico, the US and Canada.
- Participants included members of Mexico's 1971 Women's World Cup winning team.
- This tournament will be Mexico's third World Cup after 1970 and 1986.
- Authorities warned of recent violence after the killing of the country's most wanted drug leader, and President Claudia Sheinbaum said officials will ensure security during the event.
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- Mexico City sets world record for largest soccer class www.dw.com
- Mexico sets world record for biggest football lesson www.aljazeera.com