Mexico is already building momentum ahead of the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on 11 June. In recent days, supporters gathered in Mexico City to attempt what organisers described as the largest-ever stadium wave, creating a human chain stretching for more than two kilometres through the capital.
While the Mexican national team continues its preparations for the tournament opener against South Africa, thousands of fans assembled along Paseo de la Reforma, one of the city’s main avenues, wearing national team shirts, costumes and face paint. Their objective was simple: to set a new record for the longest wave ever performed.
The wave traces its origins to 15 October 1981 in Oakland, California, during a baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees. During that game, around 48,000 spectators stood up and sat down in sequence following the instructions of professional cheerleader Krazy George Henderson, who is widely credited with creating the routine.
From there, the gesture spread across North America before becoming a familiar feature at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and, later, at stadiums throughout South America.
For the attempt in Mexico City, participants followed instructions delivered by the event’s organisers. At one point, the crowd was directed to kneel, lean forward and then rise as quickly as possible onto the tips of their feet with their arms raised overhead. The movement travelled along the avenue in a continuous sequence.
French newspaper Le Parisien spoke to several participants after the event. Among them was Gloria Fragoso, a 55-year-old private-sector employee who attended wearing a traditional headdress.
“I couldn’t miss this wonderful event,” she said. “It shows the world what Mexico is: atmosphere, love, unity and peace.”
On Thursday evening, attention will shift to the Estadio Azteca, where Mexico will open the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be staged across Mexico, the United States and Canada, but its first match will take place in Mexico City.
For now, a wave measuring more than two kilometres has already passed through the centre of the Mexican capital.