Boston to build world’s biggest soccer ball

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A giant soccer ball is coming to the United States city of Boston, and it could be big enough to break a world record.

The Massachusetts Port Authority, known as Massport, has announced plans to build the world’s largest soccer ball to celebrate the FIFA World Cup coming to the region. The ball will measure 13 metres across, which is about the height of a four-storey building.

If all goes to plan, it will beat the current Guinness World Record holder, a ball built in Qatar back in 2013 that measured just under 40 feet wide. The massive ball will be set up at Piers Park II in the East Boston area from 12 to 18 June. A community day event is also planned for 13 June, giving locals the chance to come and see the record attempt up close.

The whole thing is a celebration of the FIFA World Cup matches that will be played at Boston Stadium in Foxborough during June and July. The World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, drawing fans from all over the world.

Massport CEO Rich Davey said the display was a great way to welcome visitors to the city and bring people together around the excitement of the tournament.

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Did You Know?

What is special about the giant soccer ball being built in Boston?
It's going to be the world's largest soccer ball, measuring 13 meters across!

Vocabulary

Click on the words in the article. See if you can find them all.
  • celebrate To do something special for a happy reason. We celebrate birthdays with parties and cake.
  • community A group of people living in the same area. Our community comes together for fun events.
  • tournament A series of games or matches to find a winner. The soccer tournament had teams from all over the country.
  • Thinking Question

    How do you think a giant soccer ball can bring people together?