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SEATTLE, June 5, 2026 /CNW/ — As a FIFA World Cup 2026™ host city, the home of one of Toronto FC’s largest rivals is dramatically welcoming the world as the Space Needle and Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ (SeattleFWC26) today unveiled a giant soccer ball on the roof of Seattle’s most iconic landmark.
The idea of reimagining the top of the Space Needle into a soccer ball emerged during a brainstorming session with SeattleFWC26, guided by a simple question: if the world is watching Seattle, how could the city welcome fans with something they have never seen before? What began as a bold early sketch quickly grew into a concept that continued to challenge and inspire the team throughout its development. The modified roof stands as a visual symbol of both the universal love of the game and the excitement building across the region as Seattle prepares to host six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches and welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe.
“With just days until the world arrives in Seattle, this activation captures the energy building across our region,” said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SeattleFWC26. “The Space Needle is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. Seeing it reimagined as a soccer ball sends a powerful message that Seattle is ready to welcome the world.”
The metamorphosis was made possible through a partnership between the Space Needle and SeattleFWC26 and executed by Seattle-based Long Painting Company. Crews worked 605 feet above Seattle Center to carefully apply the custom soccer ball design to the Space Needle’s iconic sloped roof.
“Throughout its history, the Space Needle has played a role in some of the most defining moments for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest,” said Ron Sevart, CEO of the Space Needle. “This project celebrates not only soccer, but the global connections, community spirit and excitement that the tournament will bring to the city.”
The project required specialized equipment, precision planning and close coordination with the Space Needle team to complete the work safely while watching the weather forecasts closely. Known for its work on some of the Pacific Northwest’s most complex and high-profile structures, Long Painting brought deep expertise and craftsmanship to this installation.
Crew from the Seattle-based Long Painting Compan painting the Space Needle Soccer Ball.
“This is more than a paint project,” said Jonathon Holca, General Manager at Long Painting. “Our team understood from day one that we were helping create a moment that would be seen around the world. We’re incredibly proud to play a role in turning the symbol of Seattle into a symbol of the world’s game.”
Visible across the city and beyond, the transformed Space Needle is expected to become one of the defining images of Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ celebration.
The project was documented through drone videography, time-lapse photography and behind-the-scenes footage capturing the scale, precision and complexity of the transformation.
Seattle is one of 16 Host Cities (including Toronto of course) across North America selected to host FIFA World Cup 2026™, the largest FIFA World Cup in history. The tournament is expected to attract millions of visitors and billions of viewers worldwide, providing an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Seattle, Washington State and the Pacific Northwest on a global stage.
The Space Needle’s shift into a soccer ball will remain a centerpiece of Seattle’s FIFA World Cup celebrations and a visual reminder of the city’s role in one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.
SOURCE Space Needle
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