How is technology changing the World Cup? (Dave Taylor)

June 22, 2026 - 00:07

If you have been watching World Cup matches, you have likely heard commentators rattle off stats about player speed, total distance covered, and possession percentages. What might surprise many viewers is that these numbers are not rough estimates. They are precise measurements generated by a remarkable system of tracking cameras and sensors placed around the stadium.

This technology, often called "player tracking," uses optical cameras to capture the movement of every player and the ball 25 times per second. The data feeds into algorithms that calculate everything from sprint speed to passing accuracy. It has changed how coaches prepare for games and how fans understand the action on the pitch.

Beyond tracking, video assistant referees, or VAR, have become a defining feature of modern tournaments. Officials in a control room review key moments like goals, penalties, and red cards using multiple camera angles. While it has sparked debate over delays and subjective calls, the system aims to reduce clear human error.

Another shift comes from the ball itself. The official match ball now contains a sensor that sends data to the referee's watch, helping to detect offsides and handballs with greater accuracy. This combination of hardware and software is making the game faster to analyze, though not always faster to watch.

As these tools become more advanced, the line between human judgment and machine precision continues to blur. The World Cup is no longer just a contest of athletic skill. It is also a showcase for the technology that measures and interprets every move.