Mexico has created a unique football record ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by organising the world’s largest football training class in the heart of the country’s capital. Thousands of people gathered in Mexico City’s famous Zócalo square, turning the historic public space into a giant football training ground and setting a new Guinness World Record.

Thousands participate in historic football class

Around 9,500 participants joined the massive football session held on March 15. People of different ages, including children, amateur players, and football enthusiasts, took part in the event. Guided by professional coaches, participants performed football drills such as passing, ball control, and shooting exercises together in a coordinated session.

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The training lasted for about 40 minutes and was organised as part of activities leading up to the 2026 World Cup. At the end of the session, a Guinness World Records official confirmed that Mexico had officially set the record for hosting the largest football class in history.

The achievement comfortably surpassed the previous record of 1,038 participants, which had been set in Seattle in 2025. With nearly ten times that number attending, the Mexico City event established a remarkable new global milestone.

World Cup excitement building in Mexico

The record-breaking football class was also meant to generate excitement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Mexico City is expected to host the opening match of the tournament at the iconic Estadio Azteca, one of football’s most historic stadiums.

Organisers said the event was designed not only to break a record but also to promote the sport and bring communities together. The atmosphere at Zócalo was festive, with music, cheers, and a strong sense of unity among participants.

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For many fans, the event felt like an early celebration of football and a symbolic start to the countdown for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be one of the biggest tournaments in the sport’s history.