Mapping images on a sphere

Hello.

I’ve been reading up on some 3d and pseudo 3d things on the site and can’t find what i’m after. I’m looking for a method for mapping dynamic images across a rotateable 3d sphere in real time. Basically, imagine a globe or soccerball with images pasted on it at regular intervals. the sphere needs to be controllable to bring a new image into focus (i.e. up front/middle).

Any ideas would be greatly recieved, this one is a bit outside of my knowledge.

jJ