Science World's giant FIFA soccer ball will soon come down and Vancouver fans are not ready
One of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks during the 2026 FIFA World Cup will soon be coming down from its massive installation at Science World.
Science World has announced that it will begin returning its giant geodesic dome to its original form after over two months of looking like the FIFA World Cup 2026 official match ball.
The 360-degree, 40-metre-diameter re-creation of the adidas Trionda is titled “The Beautiful Dome,” and deinstallation of the design is slated to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Destination Vancouver/Jon Ross Films/Science World
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“The Beautiful Dome’s impact extended far beyond Vancouver,” said Science World in a release.
“Over the summer, it was featured by more than 100 media outlets worldwide, showcasing Vancouver to global audiences.”
A crew of highly specialized rope access technicians first began the installation process during the first week of May 2026, when Science World and the Government of British Columbia made their first public announcement about the transformation.
Destination Vancouver/Jon Ross Films/Science World
The installation of the accurate replica of the adidas Trionda — the official match ball of this tournament made up of 131 panels — was overseen by Ontario-based The Look Company.
The banners are not applied to the reflective silver steel surface of the dome directly. Rather, these are hexagon-shaped banner panels that are carefully attached to the hexagon-shaped voids of the external structural system that supports the geodesic dome, which leaves an air space between the temporary panels and the steel surface.
Fans of the gigantic FIFA World Cup soccer ball shared their sadness that The Beautiful Dome will soon be leaving the Vancouver skyline.
Destination Vancouver/Jon Ross Films/Science World
“Please don’t take that ball down,” said one commenter. “Vancouver was rated one of the best cities welcoming everyone! I strongly believe it should stay!”
“I take the SkyTrain, and it’s been fun seeing it get created and enjoying it in person. A highlight of our FIFA festivities,” added another person.
“Farewell to an icon,” posted another fan of the installation. “It was a beacon for good times and good vibes. Thanks, Science World!”
Science World also teased that another announcement will soon be coming about the future of the panels once they have been deinstalled.
Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum exhibit (Kenneth Chan)
Science World is wrapping up an official FIFA soccer exhibition that it opened for the 2026 World Cup period.
The North American premiere of the official soccer-themed exhibition from the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, will run through Sept. 7, 2026.
This exhibition allows visitors to learn about the technology and science behind soccer, showing things like how the sport utilizes video review technology, performance analytics, stadium operations, and broadcast production.
It also includes some artifacts special to Canadian soccer, like Christine Sinclair’s jersey that she wore during Canada’s gold medal victory at the Tokyo Summer Olympics.