Boston Unveils 45-Foot Soccer Ball for World Record Try

Boston is going big for the World Cup, and we mean really big.

The Massachusetts Port Authority will unveil a 45-foot-tall soccer ball at Piers Park II in East Boston from June 12 to 18, attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the world's largest soccer ball. The current record holder measures just 38 feet and 11.8 inches, set in Doha, Qatar back in 2013.

The giant soccer ball is so massive that passengers flying into Logan International Airport will likely spot it from their plane windows. It sits right on the East Boston waterfront, offering a welcome sight for travelers arriving in the city.

Massport isn't just building a big ball and calling it a day. On June 13, the authority will host a free Community Day from noon to 4 p.m., featuring family activities, games, and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. The celebration kicks off just two days after the FIFA World Cup begins on June 11.

The record attempt is part of a citywide initiative to bring World Cup excitement to Boston. Gillette Stadium in nearby Foxborough will temporarily become "Boston Stadium" for the tournament and host seven World Cup matches throughout the competition.

The Ripple Effect

This oversized celebration does more than chase a world record. It transforms a neighborhood park into a gathering spot where families can share in a global moment together.

Rich Davey, Massport's CEO, captured the spirit perfectly: the installation gives people the chance to come together, enjoy East Boston's vibrant waterfront and skyline views, and share in the excitement of the World Cup. For a neighborhood often overshadowed by the nearby airport, hosting a world record attempt puts East Boston front and center on the global stage.

The timing couldn't be better, with Boston joining cities around the world in celebrating the beautiful game.