Visit Frisco Sets Guinness Record Ahead of World Cup

Visit Frisco amplified its emphasis on sports tourism by successfully setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest number created using soccer balls. In total, 1,141 soccer balls spelled out “2026.”

The attempt took place last week at Warren Sports Complex, days before Sweden’s national soccer team arrived in Frisco, which will serve as its World Cup base camp. The international soccer tournament, spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11.

“We want the residents and the businesses here to be able to engage in the World Cup in a meaningful way,” said Josh Dill, assistant executive director of Visit Frisco.

Dallas will host nine World Cup matches this summer, the most of any destination. Frisco, which is home to The National Soccer Hall of Fame and Toyota Stadium, where FC Dallas competes in Major League Soccer matches, is hoping to capitalize on the attention to the entire region to increase interest among international travelers.

The Guinness World Record is part of that effort to share the spotlight before the action shifts to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Frisco will host watch parties for 97 of the World Cup matches in front of its City Hall.

Setting a record for largest number made up of soccer balls is so novel that it had never been attempted before. Guinness established a minimum threshold of 1,000 soccer balls for certification, and Michael Empric, Guinness World Records adjudicator, watched the new mark set in person.

Said Empric: “You could really feel the energy from the entire community in attendance, not only to set the record, but to celebrate the World Cup coming to Frisco later this summer!"

Officials saw the activation as both a tourism driver and community engagement tool, a natural fit for a region that bills itself as Sports City USA.

Participants in the record attempt included leaders from the local World Cup committee, city staff and elected officials. Community members—including hoteliers, children, and board members—helped place balls in the display. After the initial ceremonial placement, city staff and volunteers completed most of the installation.

Youth set up the world record activation in Frisco.

“We felt like this one was the record that we could pull off and feel confident about,” said Dill of how they settled on the activation.

Dill is confident the record and other marketing efforts, including Visit Frisco’s first international tourism marketing campaign, will help the destination attract future tourists. The effort will also be celebrated as part of a permanent World Cup-themed art installation and through soccer ball donations to various youth groups.

Visit Frisco expects to take a larger role in the Women’s World Cup in 2031. Toyota Stadium, which is under renovation now, is an ideal size for early-round action for that tournament, Dill said.

Photo Credit: Visit Frisco