FIFA unites football players from 68 different countries to play exciting exhibition game

Every four years, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) puts on the World Cup – a football tournament where the best players from each country face off to claim the title as the greatest team on Earth. 

But ahead of the 2026 World Cup, hosted in North America, the organization took a different approach – inviting players from different countries to attempt to claim a Guinness World Records title for the most nationalities in a football (soccer) exhibition match.

And on 5 November, 83 players from 68 unique nationalities took to the pitch for at least 10 minutes at the new Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco to demonstrate football's global identity and ability to bring people together.

“Witnessing 68 nationalities on the pitch for a new Guinness World Records title by FIFA is incredibly inspiring,” said Elkhan Mammadov (Azerbaijan), one of the players and FIFA Chief Member Associations Division Officer. “This moment beautifully embodies FIFA's leadership vision: to unite the world through football. 

“It showcases the unparalleled diversity and global passion, reinforcing our commitment to developing the game for everyone, everywhere.”

Nationalities represented in the game included African countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, Senegal, Rwanda, and Tanzania, while Europeans had players from countries such as the Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, the UK, and Portugal. 

There were also athletes from the Americas, such as the US, Canada, Panama, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil – as well as other countries like India, New Zealand, Türkiye, Barbados, and Lebanon. 

Four referees were also present to make sure everybody was playing fairly, and Guinness World Records Adjudicator Joanne Brent was cheering on the teams from the sidelines and making sure everything was properly verified for the title.

Each player had to take the field for at least 10 minutes to be included in the total, and nobody was idle on the pitch – everyone knew the rules of the game, and participated eagerly, with no red cards being flashed.

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In the end, the event was a massive success, and FIFA cleanly broke the previous record of 53 nationalities set by the Equal Playing Field, in Lyon, France, on 30 June 2019. The athletes played for two hours and 48 minutes, and the final score was 17-14, with the white team beating the blue.

“FIFA have been successful in their attempt and they chose an excellent record to strive for,” said GWR Adjudicator Joanne. “Their global team consists of individuals from many countries and backgrounds, and this title symbolizes what football does best: uniting people.”

At the end of the event, Joanne came out and announced the organization’s winning number, and was met with cheers and applause from the tired and sweaty players. 

Yet everyone was full of adrenaline and joy, as they celebrated the diversity and collaborative nature of the sport. 

“This record is a reminder that football truly belongs to everyone, everywhere,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a post on Instagram with their GWR certificate.

“I am proud of our FIFA family for showing the world once again how our game unites people across every border and culture.”

So congratulations to FIFA and everyone who took part in this incredible event – you are all Officially Amazing!