Throughout North Texas, vibrant visual art is flourishing in celebration of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. In the heart of Fort Worth’s Sundance Square, an impressive display features over two dozen oversized fiberglass soccer balls, each uniquely designed by local artists. Sarah Ayala, the Art Director of Sundance Square, describes these installations as “joyful, highly visible, and deeply local.”
These artistic soccer balls, while not suitable for dribbling, transform the downtown area into a colorful homage to the sport and the creative talents of Fort Worth. “The installation becomes a celebration of soccer but also of the artists and creative voices that make Fort Worth such a dynamic cultural city,” Ayala adds.
The excitement surrounding soccer is resonating throughout North Texas, particularly with Arlington set to host a remarkable nine matches during the tournament. Dallas is also playing a significant role by hosting the International Broadcast Center and fan fest, while numerous public and private organizations are enthusiastically engaging with the sport. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by the diverse colors of fans representing various nations, creating a visual feast for all attendees.
Chris Hightower, president and CEO of the Arlington Museum of Art, emphasizes the importance of integrating art into the community’s cultural landscape. “We see art as a part of the cultural fabric of our community, and this major experience is going on in our city, so why wouldn’t we do something like this?” The museum’s exhibition, titled “More Than a Match,” runs through August 2 and showcases four themed components, including not just artistic works but also game-related artifacts like shoes, balls, and trophies, illustrating the intersection of art and sport.
Hightower believes that the visual appeal of the exhibit can serve as an accessible entry point for those newly interested in soccer due to the World Cup’s buzz. “For a casual soccer fan, even somebody that’s not a fan at all, I think this is the way to learn about the game, learn about the sport, learn about the history of the World Cup,” he explains.
The museum offers various ways for visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of soccer. Historic maps created in collaboration with UTA provide insight into the countries participating in Arlington’s matches. Another gallery features artifacts alongside narratives detailing the Men’s and Women’s World Cups’ histories. Additionally, the “Art of the Game” section displays soccer-themed works from international artists, while “Fabrics of Fanatics” showcases scarves lent by supporters, representing a universal expression of loyalty among soccer fans.
Michael Peticolas, a brewer and soccer enthusiast, has long expressed his passion for the sport through his craft beer. This year, he has expanded his creativity to photography, capturing the essence of soccer. His love for the game ignited during a match at the Cotton Bowl in 1994, an experience he describes as transformative. “That was kind of a life-changing moment for me,” he recalls.
At Peticolas Brewing Company, he incorporated soccer themes into his branding, designing his logo to resemble a soccer crest. Since 2014, he has released special beers for each World Cup, with a new batch in honor of the 2026 tournament. Collaborating with renowned Brazilian soccer photographer Marcelo Guelber Góes, Peticolas has transformed his taproom into a soccer art exhibit, featuring stunning images that enhance the atmosphere of his brewery.
Outside the brewery, a massive image of Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo welcomes patrons to the establishment. Additionally, Peticolas plans to broadcast every game of the World Cup at his brewery, creating an engaging environment for soccer fans. He is also crafting a special beer in partnership with a Japanese supporters group, further embedding his brewery into the World Cup festivities.
Nearby, an impressive mural entitled “One Field. Infinite Smiles,” created by Dutch artist Rosalie de Graaf, adds another layer of artistic celebration. Measuring 250 feet wide by 150 feet high, the mural depicts children joyfully playing soccer and is located next to the developing Harold Simmons Park along the Trinity River in Dallas.
In Arlington’s Entertainment District, another striking piece of art can be found: “Texan Golden Boot,” crafted by Nigerian artist Steve Ekpenisi from locally reclaimed metal. This monumental sculpture of a soccer boot is located across Randol Mill Road from Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee and North Texas Sports Foundation have initiated a “Buy a Brick” campaign to support the area surrounding the sculpture, with proceeds going to initiatives like placing small-sided soccer courts in underserved neighborhoods.
Dan Hunt, president of FC Dallas, affirmed the close relationship between sports and art during the dedication of the “Texan Golden Boot.” “Sports and art are not independent of each other. In fact, they just enhance one another,” he remarked, underscoring how the World Cup provides a unique opportunity to elevate this sentiment in North Texas.
