MEXICO CITY — Nearly 9,500 participants took to Zócalo on Sunday to set a Guinness World Record for the largest soccer class ever, as the capital gears up to host the World Cup opening match in June.
The city’s iconic main square transformed into a massive open-air training ground, where participants followed soccer drills led by instructors. Balls flew across the plaza as attendees practiced coordinated exercises aimed at promoting sports and community engagement.
Alfredo Arista Rueda of Guinness World Records confirmed the achievement during the event. “You are officially amazing. Officially Amazing! Congratulations!” he said to cheers and confetti from the crowd.
The turnout shattered the previous record of 1,038 participants, set in Seattle in June 2025.
Fans said the record-breaking class helps build excitement ahead of the World Cup. Soccer coach Mario Alberto Álvarez Acosta said, “The Azteca Stadium has hosted Pelé and Maradona; the World Cup here is magical.”
Mexico has previously hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, with legendary players from Brazil and Argentina lifting the trophy. Sandra López Figueroa, a housewife who joined the class, said, “I had fun; I did things I didn’t even know I could do.”