If you’ve got a kid who’s into football (aka soccer), or you’re the one counting down to the World Cup, Science World has something worth putting on the calendar. The FIFA Museum’s Soccer and Technology exhibit opens to the public on May 15th, and it’s the first time it’s been shown anywhere in North America.
What is it?
It’s a travelling exhibit straight out of the official FIFA Museum, broken into five sections that walk you through how technology shapes the modern game:
- Broadcasting and Media
- Intelligent Data
- Refereeing and Fair Play
- Staging the Game
- The Innovation Lab
Translation for kids: how cameras work at a match, how referees use video to make calls, how data tracks every pass, and the tech that goes into pulling off a tournament the size of the World Cup.
Why the timing matters
Vancouver is one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the city is leaning hard into the build-up. This exhibit is part of that, presented by the Province of BC and supported by Hisense, who happens to be the official Video Assistant Referee (VAR) provider for the tournament.
The headline tech piece on display is a 100-inch Hisense RGB MiniLED TV, the same kind of screen FIFA officials will use in the Video Operating Room to review calls during matches. So if your kid has ever shouted at a VAR decision on TV, this is the gear behind it.
Good to know before you go
- Where: Science World, 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver
- Opens: May 15, 2026
- Closes: September 7, 2026
- Included with admission: Yes, it’s part of regular Science World entry
That last point matters. If you’ve already got a Science World membership, this is free. If you don’t, regular admission gets you in.
Worth it?
For soccer-obsessed kids, easy yes. For kids who aren’t quite there yet, the tech angle (cameras, data, screens, refereeing tools) is the hook. Science World does hands-on well, and tying it to a global event that’s literally happening in their city in a few weeks gives the visit some weight.
FAQ
How long does the exhibit run? May 15 to September 7, 2026.
Is it a separate ticket? No, it’s included with Science World admission.
Is it good for younger kids? The five sections cover a range of complexity. Younger kids will gravitate to the screens and interactive bits; older kids and tweens will get more out of the data and refereeing sections.
Where is Science World? 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, right on False Creek.
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