| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Zócalo | The main square in Mexico City, often used for big events. |
| Guinness World Record | A book of world records, documenting amazing feats and achievements. |
| Artificial grass | Synthetic material, usually plastic, made to look like natural grass. |
On Sunday, Mexico City plans to host a massive soccer event at the Zócalo, aiming to set a new Guinness World Record for the “world’s largest soccer class.” The organizers hope to gather over 10,000 participants to break the current record held by Seattle with 1,038 people. This event is part of a larger effort to make soccer more accessible to the Mexican public, especially as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada explained that the event will transform the Zócalo into a huge soccer field, allowing people to experience the excitement of the World Cup beyond just the stadiums. The soccer class will last 35 minutes and include group exercises. Supervisors will ensure everyone stays active according to Guinness standards. The Zócalo is already prepared with artificial grass to resemble a soccer pitch.
To participate, people must collect their kits before the event, which includes an ID number, a chip, and sportswear. Each participant will receive a soccer ball for the class. Organizers have stressed the importance of completing the exercises to avoid disqualification and encouraged everyone to arrive early to find their spots and enjoy the experience.
Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez Zamora highlighted that this event will boost Mexico City’s reputation as a global tourist hotspot. The city attracted over 15 million tourists in 2025, and with the upcoming World Cup, Mexico expects about 5 million visitors.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Tourist | Turista |
| Organize | Organizar |
| Event | Evento |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think breaking a world record is important for Mexico City?
- How can large public events like this one impact local communities?
- What are some challenges of organizing an event with thousands of participants?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- What are the benefits of hosting a large soccer event in the Zócalo?
- How does this event prepare Mexico for the upcoming FIFA World Cup?
