Mexico City Sets Guinness World Record with 9,500 Participants in Massive Soccer Class at Zócalo

Mexico City Breaks World Record with Massive Soccer Class

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Last Sunday, a significant milestone unfolded in Mexico City. The Zocalo plaza, typically bustling with life, became the backdrop for a record-setting soccer class, drawing an impressive 9,500 participants. The event was a precursor to the World Cup's opening match, which Mexico will host in June. The city's main square was transformed into a vast open-air training ground, with thousands doing soccer drills guided by experts. Participants kicked balls and performed synchronized routines to promote sport and community involvement. Alfredo Arista Rueda of Guinness World Records confirmed the record at the event. You're officially amazing. Officially! "Congratulations!" he said, as the audience shouted and hurled confetti in the air. Organizers said the turnout broke the previous Guinness record, which was achieved in Seattle in June 2025 for a soccer lesson with 1,038 participants.

World Cup Excitement and Fan Reactions

Fans in attendance say the record-breaking class boosts momentum for the World Cup. "The Azteca Stadium has seen Pelé and Maradona grace its field; the World Cup here is something special," said soccer coach Mario Alberto Álvarez Acosta. Mexico previously hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, with Brazilian and Argentine greats celebrating victory. Sandra López Figueroa was feeling pretty good about things. "I had a blast; I surprised myself with what I was capable of," she said.