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Step into the cleats of a world cup soccer star at Science World
co-written with Jim Barr
Vancouver, BC - What's inside that giant soccer ball on the Vancouver skyline? Only your chance to step into the cleats of a world cup soccer superstar, with interactive science exhibits that dissect the soccer experience.
As Sports Illustrated ranks Vancouver at the top of the 16 host cities, the one image that keeps popping up is that of Science World, False Creek and BC Place Stadium where the seven FIFA World Cup matches will be played through July 7, 2026.
We @FestivalSeekers got up close and personal with this now global image to bring you a review of their “Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum," the feature exhibit within Science World through September 7, 2026.
Take a quick virtual tour of Science World's "Soccer and Technology" exhibit, with FestivalSeekers correspondent Darius Fuladi
To break it down for you, our man on the ground, Darius Fuladi, brings us the three most interesting elements of the attraction:
1) Be a Referee
Photo:
Darius Fuladi
Every sports fan has had their fair share of frustration with referees. But Science World is flipping the experience onto the fans with their Be a Referee feature.
Step into a referee’s shoes by conducting an On-field Review with a real video board that was in-use during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Review replays from multiple angles and at different speeds before making the final call.
“We're learning and discovering all the different technologies and tools that referees use to govern the game, but also so that fans can better understand the decisions that are being made in the game and have a better experience,” said Science World specialist Pascale Nickel.
2) Be an Innovator
Photo:
Darius Fuladi
Ever wanted to make a change to the game? The “Be an Innovator” podium allows you to get creative.
Go through FIFA’s innovation process and suggest a new feature you want to see! The FIFA team in Zurich actually receives these suggestions and uses them as feedback of what fans want.
“This is kind of a fun way for us to hear from our visitors and see all their creative ideas come to life.” continued Nickel.
3) Be a Broadcast Director
Photo:
Darius Fuladi
The last World Cup broke records with a broadcasting setup that featured 42 cameras. Now, Science World gives fans the power to control them.
The Be a Broadcast Director station gives you an opportunity to choose how to direct the live feed of a goal. You shape the story of the players, the team and the country.
“This gives you an opportunity to kind of play with storytelling in soccer and how we can create different narratives based on what tools we use,” said Nickel.
Be first to the ball
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Next to what is happening inside, we wanted to understand more about the outside and the transformation of the Science World globe into the “The Beautiful Dome.” It took a month and the transformation we see now is the “Trionda,” meaning three waves in Spanish, recognizing the three host Countries for the FIFA World Cup.
Photo:
Darius Fuladi
It took 131 custom shaped panels - done up and installed by Canada’s Look Company - to cover the 360-degree, 40-metre-diameter globe to make this re-creation of the Adidas Trionda, the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“This is about creating a globally iconic image that immediately connects Vancouver to the FIFA World Cup and showcases our city’s creativity and ambition,” said Royce Chwin, President & CEO of Destination Vancouver.
Know Before You Go
As you can appreciate with a major event happening, downtown traffic may be a bit goofy - so your best bet to get to Science World is likely via skytrain - hopping off at Main Street - Science World Station.
For a unique selfie with “The Beautiful Dome”, you might have already caught our story of accessing Science World by the water
If you are not already a subscriber - we encourage you to sign up to FestivalSeekers e-newsletter as well bring you updates to our FIFA World Cup coverage and score you an inside pass to a solid chunk of Alberta and BC’s festivals and events.
"The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world and was originally built for the 1889 World’s Fair, becoming an enduring symbol of Paris for generations. Similarly, Science World was created for Expo 86 in Vancouver, another world exposition that helped define the city’s modern identity.
While “The Beautiful Dome” installation is temporary, it offers a unique opportunity to create a striking global image of British Columbia during FIFA World Cup 2026™,” says Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
