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500-Year-Old Soccer Ball Debuts in Miami for World Cup

6/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The United States will host the oldest soccer ball during the Brazil-Scotland World Cup match on Wednesday.
The ball is dated to 1540-1570, 500 years old, after it was discovered behind paneling in Stirling Castle’s Queen’s Chamber.
The ball is on loan to a Miami museum, where it headlines the “Diplomacy and the Beautiful Game” exhibition that runs until Saturday, which officials hope will bring luck to Scotland’s Tartan Army fans.

History

Historical Context

In 1545, while James V was refurbishing Stirling Castle’s royal lodgings, castle craftsmen fashioned a leather ball that measures 500 mm around and is now the world’s oldest surviving soccer ball. The artifact ties Scotland’s five-century football heritage to the castle’s historic role as a royal palace and diplomatic venue, underscoring the site’s long cultural influence.

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Story summary

The United States will host the oldest soccer ball during the Brazil-Scotland World Cup match on Wednesday.
The ball is dated to 1540-1570, 500 years old, after it was discovered behind paneling in Stirling Castle’s Queen’s Chamber.
The ball is on loan to a Miami museum, where it headlines the “Diplomacy and the Beautiful Game” exhibition that runs until Saturday, which officials hope will bring luck to Scotland’s Tartan Army fans.

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