The countdown to the World Cup is building across North Texas, and Fort Worth is already embracing the excitement.
Sundance Square unveiled a new soccer-themed art installation featuring more than two dozen hand-painted soccer balls created by local artists. The display is part of the downtown district’s effort to kick off a “summer of soccer” ahead of the World Cup.
“It’s amazing. I can’t wait,” one visitor said.
Fort Worth resident and eighth grader Cadence Minner said each piece stands out in its own way.
“They’re really unique — each and every one,” Minner said.
Fort Worth resident Erika Maldonado said she came downtown specifically to see the display before crowds arrive.
“Look at the talent! I came down here just to look at them before everybody else does,” Maldonado said.
Eleven-year-old Lorenzo Otero said one design quickly became his favorite.
“I like the soccer ball in the middle that’s painted like the Fort Worth city,” Otero said.
Sundance Square has also been sharing behind-the-scenes videos on Instagram showing artists creating the soccer balls as the area prepares to become a gathering place for fans.
When the tournament begins, all 104 World Cup matches will be shown on giant screens in Sundance Square.
Fort Worth resident Harmann Chhabra said he is looking forward to the energy fans will bring to downtown.
“Yeah, I’m just excited for the atmosphere and how loud it’s going to get and how crazy it’s gonna get in that area in a good way, in a healthy way,” Chhabra said.
Meanwhile, fans are still hoping to secure tickets to one of the nine matches set to be played in Arlington, where workers are now installing giant World Cup banners outside the stadium.
Raj Agrawal, who is visiting North Texas for the summer, said he is most excited about the global atmosphere the tournament will bring.
“Just coming to a different culture, people coming from different countries bringing their culture, bringing their traditions, all together I think is the biggest thing I’m looking forward to,” Agrawal said.
Another fan said the tournament is drawing in even casual viewers.
“I’m not really into soccer but I’m gonna watch it to see who wins,” she said.
Fort Worth resident Thomas Sanford has even started a TikTok account aimed at helping Texans learn more about soccer ahead of the tournament.
“Be open and talk to people. Soccer is a beautiful game and it’s very connective towards people who don’t know anything about it, and people who love it,” Sanford said.
As anticipation continues to grow, communities across North Texas are preparing to welcome soccer fans from around the world.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.
