FIFA Celebrates Cultural Diversity with Guinness World Record at Mohammed VI Football Complex

FIFA broke a Guinness World Record by fielding 69 nationalities in a single exhibition match on Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmoura, near Salé, celebrating the cultural diversity of its staff.

Thanks to this match, which brought together 70 of its female and male employees, each of a different nationality, FIFA surpassed the previous record held since 2019 by the British association Equal Playing Field, which had fielded two teams totaling 53 different nationalities in an exhibition match.

For participants, the choice of the Mohammed VI Football Complex is no coincidence and demonstrates the close bonds between Morocco and FIFA. The complex is, actually, home to the headquarters of the African Office of the international football body.

FIFA Chief Member Associations Division Officer Elkhan Mammedov, from Azerbaijan, was among the participants. “Witnessing 70 nationalities on the pitch for a new Guinness World Record by FIFA is incredibly inspiring. This moment beautifully embodies FIFA’s leadership vision: to unite the world through football,” he said. “It showcases the unparalleled diversity and global passion, reinforcing our commitment to developing the game for everyone, everywhere.”

FIFA’s new milestone is further proof of football’s ability to bring people together regardless of nationality, language, or culture. “At the heart of it is the fact that we recognized we could do something that celebrates our diversity,” said FIFA Head of Development Programs Solomon Mudege, a Zimbabwe native.

After an epic game lasting nearly 2 hours and 45 minutes, two mixed teams — made up mostly of staff from FIFA’s Member Associations division, which oversees development programs- went head-to-head in a game to remember. Guinness World Records adjudicator Joanne Brent then delivered the good news: “Today, FIFA set out to break the world record for the greatest number of nationalities represented in a single friendly football match. The record to beat was 53 – and they smashed it, with 69 nationalities taking part in a thrilling, extra-long game of football,” Brent announced to the press.

“It is a tough record to break, as there are plenty of rules to follow and a lot of evidence to submit — which explains why the review process takes so long. But I can confirm that they have earned this record fair and square,” she said.

“FIFA have been successful in their attempt and they chose an excellent record to strive for. Their global team consists of individuals from many countries and backgrounds, and this title symbolizes what football does best: uniting people. This record achievement is a powerful demonstration of the Officially Amazing diversity at FIFA and the global spirit of football,” said Joanne Brent.

Built on an area of 29.3 hectares, the Mohammed VI Football Complex is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities that comply with FIFA standards, making it among the most important centers worldwide. Since last July, it has been home to the headquarters of FIFA’s Africa Office.