Mexico City sets the world record for the largest soccer class

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico City set a world record for the largest soccer class ever on Sunday as 9,500 participants filled the capital’s Zocalo square as the country prepares to host the opening match of the World Cup in June.

The city’s 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.

“You are officially amazing. Officially Amazing! Congratulations!,” 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.

“The Azteca Stadium has hosted Pelé and Maradona; the World Cup here is magical,” said soccer coach Mario Alberto Álvarez Acosta.

Mexico also hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, with the Brazilian and the Argentine greats winning the trophy.

Sandra López Figueroa, a housewife, also enjoyed herself.

“I had fun; I did things I didn’t even know I could do,” she said.

Savarese reported from Sao Paulo

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

People practice soccer skills in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the "largest soccer class" at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada gestures during an attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the "largest soccer class" at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

People practice soccer skills in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the "largest soccer class" at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Soccer balls sit ahead of an event to set a Guinness World Record for the "largest soccer class" at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

People practice soccer skills in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the "largest soccer class" at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The U.S. military conducted a rapid response exercise involving Marines and military aircraft in Venezuela’s capital Saturday, over four months after the ouster of then-President Nicolás Maduro.

Two Marine Corps Osprey aircraft, which have characteristics of both a helicopter and a fixed-wing airplane, flew over the recently reopened U.S. Embassy in Caracas. They landed in the parking lot with the downdraft blowing tree branches. Forces then descended from the aircraft.

“Ensuring the military’s rapid response capability is a key component of mission readiness, both here in Venezuela and around the world,” the embassy said on Instagram.

Venezuela’s government had announced the drill earlier this week. Foreign Minister Yván Gil said the U.S. would conduct the exercise to prepare “in the event of medical emergencies or catastrophic emergencies.”

The drill comes almost two months after the U.S. formally reopened its embassy in Caracas. The reopening followed the restoration of full diplomatic relations with the South American country after Maduro 's ouster in early January.

Some Caracas residents Saturday gathered near the embassy to watch the aircraft, while a few dozen others gathered elsewhere in the city to protest the exercise. Protesters held a Venezuelan flag with the message “No to the Yankee drill” written over it.

U.S. military aircraft last flew over Caracas on Jan. 3, when elite forces rappelled down from helicopters and captured Maduro and his wife. Both were taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges. They have pleaded not guilty.

U.S. Embassy holds emergency and air evacuation drill in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

U.S. Embassy holds emergency and air evacuation drill in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

U.S. Embassy holds emergency and air evacuation drill in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

A soldier looks down from a military aircraft as the U.S. Embassy holds an emergency and air evacuation drill in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

U.S. Embassy holds emergency and air evacuation drill in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)