MEXICO CITY : Thousands of people gathered along Mexico City’s iconic Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday in an attempt to set a world record for the largest Mexican wave outside a stadium, as the country gears up to host the men’s World Cup for a third time next year.
The event marked the 40th anniversary of the wave’s debut at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, although the origins of the crowd phenomenon remain disputed, with U.S. sports fans also laying claim to early versions.
Mexico will make history when it hosts and co-hosts the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first nation to stage the men’s tournament three times after hosting in 1970 and 1986.
Hundreds of participants wore Mexico’s green national team jerseys, waving flags and chanting “Mexico, Mexico!” as they raised their arms in sequence, creating a rolling wave along the capital’s main boulevard.
Guinness World Records currently recognises several categories for Mexican waves. The largest by participants involved 157,574 people in the United States in 2008, while Portugal set the record for the longest wave line with 8,453 participants in 2007. Japan holds the record for the longest-duration wave at 17 minutes and 14 seconds, established in 2015.
A spokesperson for the Mexico City government said organisers were targeting a new category for the largest Mexican wave held outside a stadium.
“It’s not about breaking a record, it’s about setting one — this is something unprecedented,” she said. “That’s why Guinness took the evidence away to assess all the elements. There are many things they analyse.”
Among those taking part was Teresa Lopez, who travelled to the capital for the event.
“We came to participate in the biggest wave in the world and to support our national team,” she said. “We are Mexican and we are very proud of our country.”
Foreign visitors also joined the celebration. Tourist Vivia Shivers, who arrived in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup, said the occasion carried special significance.
“It’s a special location, it’s a contribution to a World Cup, and participating feels wonderful,” she said.
