The City of Fresno distributed 200 official FIFA soccer balls to local youth, commemorating the World Cup and celebrating the sport with the famous nickname “the beautiful game.’

“In Fresno, the No. 1 sport is soccer,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “It is a positive activity that we want to provide to our youth. An activity that allows them to be able to learn discipline, to be able to learn teamwork.”

At the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) Winter Meeting in January, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the FIFA World Cup 2026 Soccer Balls Initiative.

The organization pledged to provide 200 soccer balls to every USCM member city — including Fresno.

Dyer and city helpers spent Friday morning distributing the city’s share to local youngsters at Granite Park.

And as soon as the kids got their hands on the free balls, they began playing. The children, hailing from Boys & Girls Club and Big Brother, Big Sister, took to Granite Park’s open fields. They played on their own and with others, kicking into empty nets or competing in mini games.

“It doesn’t matter where the child comes from or what their background is. You give the child a soccer ball in green space and they’re able to play,” said Fresno’s Director of Parks Aaron Aguirre. “Our soccer fields give these kids not just here today, but throughout our entire 90-plus park inventory, a place to run, compete, and express themselves.”

Fresno parks, including Granite Park, are open to the public every day, Dyer reminded the crowd.

“These are your fields. This is your park,” he said. “And we want you to take advantage of it.”

Fresno Commemorates FIFA World Cup and Eyes Own Professional Team

The ball giveaway commemorates the United States hosting the FIFA World Cup this year.

The World Cup has shifted soccer’s place in the American sporting landscape — filling stadiums and increasing interest.

And even though the tournament ended in August, the event continued the celebration. The soccer balls brought the tournament’s spirit to Fresno and supported youth interest in the sport.

Dyer acknowledged the local love of soccer, which he hopes to expand.

“We’re trying everything we can to bring professional men and women’s soccer to the city of Fresno,” he said. “We are working diligently on that and to build a stadium for them because we know how people love soccer in Fresno and within the Valley.”

The update was met with cheers from the crowd of parents and children.

Earlier this year, the city entered an exclusive agreement with the United Soccer League to explore building a soccer-specific stadium and bring a team to the Valley.

The USL is equivalent to minor league baseball — developing players for Major League Soccer.

The USL-Fresno agreement calls for a 7,000-seat stadium with 5,000 fixed seats and expansion for more.

Dyer previously told GV Wire the stadium would be located downtown or in Chinatown on city-owned property. In January, he estimated it would take about $50 million to build a stadium.