Brands score big with soccer fans at record-breaking events related to the World Cup
Today the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins with a match between Mexico and South Africa – yet for three host countries of Canada, Mexico, and the USA, the excitement for this soccer tournament has been building for months.
Considered by some to be the largest sporting event on the planet, this is the first time the North American countries will jointly host the competition. And as tourists begin to board their flights, and locals start to plan their rides, the world has turned its gaze on to the upcoming spectacle.
Therefore, ahead of this incredible cultural moment, a number of companies from the host regions have started creating record-breaking moments that connect their brand directly to the field.
Whether they’re throwing beginner-friendly soccer lessons, or arranging community-wide artwork, despite the differences in their brand identity they are united by a desire to grow the game.
And here at Guinness World Records, that’s certainly a message we can get behind!
So as you get ready to turn on your TV – or collect your tickets – we’ve compiled an epic list of heartwarming soccer records for you to read, hosted in anticipation of this year’s World Cup.
Largest football (soccer) lesson - Gobierno de México, Mexico
Every professional had to start somewhere… and it’s never too late – or too early – to start kicking around the ball!
That’s what inspired the FIFA host country, Mexico, to host the largest football (soccer) lesson in history – right in the heart of their capital city. The event was one of many record attempts from their “Social World Cup”, an initiative which seeks to rally soccer-lovers into supporting the arts, culture, and people of the country.
And nearly three months before kick off, on 15 March the Gobierno de México and SECTUR tourism board planned this gigantic session in the central plaza of the Zócalo.
A record-breaking 8,873 people showed up to play, and received tips from legendary professional Mexican players on the men’s and women’s teams.
Largest human image of a shirt - Gobierno de México, Mexico
In addition to their colossal soccer lesson, the Gobierno de México also hosted this breathtaking record for the largest human image of a shirt as a way to garner visual support for the upcoming games.
Made up of thousands of participants – who gathered while wearing custom red, white, and green T-shirts – the crowd smushed together to create a giant, jersey-shaped representation of the Mexican tricoloured flag.
A record-breaking 4,757 people assembled at the Víctor Manuel Reyna Stadium in Tuxtla Gutiérez on 27 February to take this title, and their effort was even applauded by President Claudia Sheinbaum!
Read more stories about record-breaking soccer moments in our dedicated Sports and Fitness section!
Most people keeping a football in the air (multiple venue) - Count Us In, USA
In the spirit of the World Cup, UK-based climate nonprofit Count Us In wanted to create a record-breaking experience for soccer fans around the globe. So they asked a simple question – what if everyone around the world juggled a ball at the same time?
Well, they thought it would be a unifying experience, and the perfect opportunity to educate people on other topics that unite us.
The organization uses popular culture to engage mainstream audiences on environmental action, and they have an initiative called Earth FC that’s designed to unite clubs, players, fans, and broadcasters around climate awareness and sustainability.
So on 6 June, they hosted dozens of events across locations from Mexico to Poland and even the Faroe Islands, where they could teach valuable soccer skills while discussing the health of our climate.
A total of 511 participants were able to juggle long enough to take the record for the most people keeping a football in the air (multiple venue), but over 5,000 total people showed up in total – showing that sports really can unite people from all over the world.
Longest line of footballs (soccer balls) - Airbnb, USA
It’s hard to play soccer without a ball!
Luckily, Airbnb brought more than enough.
On 11 April, the company celebrated their $1 million (£736,245) investment into the World Cup host city of Houston, Texas, by arranging the longest line of footballs (soccer balls) in the world inside Hermann Park.
Hundreds of families showed up to arrange the balls in a zig-zag pattern, with the help of local youth players from leagues and non-profit organizations across Houston.
Once all 1,036 balls were displayed, and they learned they took the title, each of the participants were allowed to take home a ball – and the park was soon filled with thousands of future soccer stars playing with their brand-new equipment.
Largest game of human foosball - OLG, Canada
Before soccer’s biggest standouts take the field in Ontario, Canada, the province decided to host another giant match… the largest game of human foosball in history.
Arranged by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), an impressive total of 254 players turned up to Etobicoke on 23 May to play a super-sized version of the classic tabletop game.
Dressed in matching soccer jerseys, they linked arms around huge poles and kicked at a ball that bounced around the outdoor field, laughing as they attempted a brand-new skill.
And in addition to the good times, these players also paid it forward. OLG partners with Ontario Soccer and the City of Toronto’s Soccer for All Legacy program – and at the event, they announced that the participants helped raise funding for 11,000 additional grassroots coaches and match officials for the organizations.
Keeping the ball rolling…
Even after the first whistle, there are a number of record-breaking World Cup opportunities that have yet to take place.
As teams progress and the excitement heats up, we’ll continue to look out for new records, and keep you up-to-date on our website and social media @GuinnessWorldRecords.
So watch this space, while you watch all the World Cup action!