MEXICO CITY (AP) 鈥� Mexico City set a world record for the largest soccer class ever on Sunday as 9,500 participants filled the capital鈥檚 Zocalo square as the country prepares to host the opening match of the World Cup in June.
The city鈥檚 main square became a massive, open-air training ground with crowds practicing soccer drills under the guidance of instructors. Participants kicked balls and followed coordinated exercises to promote sport and community engagement.
Guinness World Records’ Alfredo Arista Rueda confirmed the record during the event.
鈥淵ou are officially amazing. Officially Amazing! Congratulations!,鈥� he said, as the crowd cheered and tossed confetti into the air.
Organizers said the turnout surpassed the previous Guinness record set in Seattle in June 2025, when a soccer class brought together 1,038 participants.
Fans in attendance said the record-breaking class builds momentum for the World Cup.
鈥淭he Azteca Stadium has hosted Pel茅 and Maradona; the World Cup here is magical,鈥� said soccer coach Mario Alberto 脕lvarez Acosta.
Mexico also hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, with the Brazilian and the Argentine greats winning the trophy.
Sandra L贸pez Figueroa, a housewife, also enjoyed herself.
鈥淚 had fun; I did things I didn鈥檛 even know I could do,鈥� she said.
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Savarese reported from Sao Paulo
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