Firm partnering on June 12 event marking the start of weeklong display of 47.9-foot soccer ball on East Boston waterfront
BOSTON (June 12, 2026) – HNTB has partnered with the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) to set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the world’s largest soccer ball, which was unveiled today at Piers Park II in East Boston.
Standing 47.9 feet tall, the larger-than-life soccer ball was unveiled today and officially awarded the Guiness World Records certificate. It will remain on the waterfront for a weeklong public display from June 12–18, visible across Boston Harbor. This joint effort is part of a broader push to build excitement and community engagement as FIFA World Cup matches kick off in the Boston region.
The world’s largest soccer ball during a test inflation. It will be unveiled today and officially awarded the Guiness World Records certificate at Piers Park II in East Boston.
HNTB is sponsoring the giant soccer ball and joined Massport for the June 12 event and related festivities. The week also includes community programming and activities that draw residents and visitors to the East Boston waterfront.
“Massport has created something that captures the energy building around the World Cup while bringing people together along the waterfront,” said Paul Godfrey, HNTB vice president and Massachusetts office leader. “We’re proud to support an effort that connects the global stage with local communities.”
The collaboration reflects HNTB’s broader work supporting infrastructure tied to major sporting events, including preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Boston and other host cities across North America.
“The World Cup creates an opportunity to make smart, lasting investments in infrastructure,” said Gary Bua, Northeast Division president, HNTB. “Our focus is on helping clients deliver improvements that serve communities well beyond the event itself.”
Matches will be played at Gillette Stadium in nearby Foxborough, with regional activities like the Massport soccer ball installation helping build visibility and momentum across Greater Boston.
“This partnership grew out of the strong relationship HNTB has built with Massport and our shared interest in creating meaningful connections between infrastructure, community and major events,” said Katayoun Sadeghi, HNTB senior vice president and managing director, national advisory. “Massport saw an opportunity to bring World Cup excitement directly to the East Boston waterfront, and we jumped at the chance to help support this fun, awe-inspiring experience that celebrates the region and welcomes the world.”
HNTB is supporting FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations through a broad range of transportation and infrastructure initiatives across multiple host cities. The firm is working alongside departments of transportation, transit agencies, host committees and airport authorities to help communities plan for and manage the significant influx of visitors, advancing mobility strategies that improve access, safety and the overall fan experience. From nationally recognized transportation planning efforts in host cities like Kansas City to aviation and transit coordination in markets such as Houston and Los Angeles, HNTB is helping clients prepare for one of the largest global sporting events ever held.
In key regions such as New York/New Jersey, which will host the tournament’s final match, HNTB is providing program management, traffic engineering and advanced technology support to strengthen system readiness. This includes deploying intelligent transportation systems, integrating real-time data and coordinating multi-agency operations to keep people moving efficiently and safely.