Coming May 1, 2026

The First Ball Game

An Exhibit Celebrating North American
Nations & Cultures Coming Together
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kick off your summer

with an unforgettable
cultural experience

Celebrate Art & Sport with the Olmec Cup 

Olmec Cup – the landmark international celebration of art and sport of 2026 – runs from June through September. Rooted in culture, creativity and community, the Olmec Cup will connect the United States, Mexico and Canada during one of the world’s largest global sporting events.

get ready

to experience
the first ball game

Learn About the Olmec Cup

Timed with the 2026 global soccer championship, the Olmec Cup is taking place across 16 major cities in North America from May through June.

With the installation of 32 larger-than-life, hand-painted sculptures – inspired by the iconic Olmec heads – the Olmec Cup will bring ancient history to life, honoring the Olmec civilization, which created the first known ball game over 3,000 years ago, bridging one of the earliest origins of sport with the global spirit of modern soccer.

discover a special lineup

of talented international artists

Support North American Art 

The Olmec Cup brings together artists from across North America to decorate 32 larger-than-life sculptures inspired by the iconic Olmec heads of Mexico. Together, these international artists have created a collaborative cultural experience that reflects the diversity and creative spirit of North America during one of the world’s largest sporting events.

explore a team of cities

participating in the Exhibit across North America

Connect with People Across the Continent

Spanning 16 major cities across North America, the Olmec Cup connects people and cultures across three countries. The exhibition brings a unique artistic experience to life, creating a showcase that inspires and engages audiences across the continent.

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follow the cup

across the continent or online

View All the Artworks

Each Olmec Cup sculpture placed in cities across North America is featured on our interactive map, where you can explore the artworks online, learn about the artists, and see where the sculptures are located. connection and the opportunity to boost brand awareness with diverse audiences.

Interactive Map Coming Soon!

The Olmec Cup represents the enduring power of art and sport to connect people, celebrate culture and inspire communities.
We hope you can join us in supporting and celebrating this special initiative!

Fernando Ramirez
President, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage

For questions or more information about the Olmec Cup exhibit or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Fernando Ramirez at [email protected].

The First Ball Game

Over 3,000 years ago, the Olmec civilization invented the first known ball game – a ritualistic and symbolic practice that mirrored life and death, the cosmic balance and the unity of society. Played with a heavy rubber ball on expansive stone courts, it became a cornerstone of Mesoamerican culture, uniting people in both celebration and spiritual reflection.

Connecting Past and Present

In 2026, the Olmec Cup will bridge ancient history with modern sport by placing sculptures across North America during the world’s largest international soccer tournament. These monumental works connect the ancient Olmec ball game with today’s sport, celebrating the human desire to connect, celebrate and transcend boundaries – just as the Olmec ball game united communities thousands of years ago.

Where It Started, Where It’s Headed

In 2024, Olmec Trails brought together artists from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. to decorate Olmec-inspired  sculptures. Each artist infused the pieces with their unique cultural perspective, and the finished sculptures were installed throughout the region.

Building on this success, the Olmec Cup aims to elevate this celebration of culture and art on a global stage from May to June.

Denver, Colorado

Our Beginnings

Juls - Julio Mendoza