The tech powering the Women’s World Cup
31 July 2023
And before you ask, yes AI is on the list.
It’s always on the global stage that we get to see technology really flex its muscles, and at the Women’s World Cup, it’s no different (I’m sure some kiwis would argue it flexed a little too hard in their game against the Philippines).
VAR jokes aside, there are some exceptional pieces of tech working behind the scenes to power, and run, the World Cup including a suspended sensor, AI and the game of the moment, Roblox.
So please join us in geeking out, taking a look at some of the incredible advancements in our industry on display at the World Cup.
A match ball which is more than meets the eye
Meet OCEAUNZ, the official match ball of the tournament. While this might just look like another football, there’s a lot more than meets the eye from this Adidas creation.
In its center, a sensor provides unprecedented insight into every movement of the ball, showing where it’s kicked, how far it’s travelled and crucially or if it’s out of bounds. Held aloft in the middle of the ball by a suspension system, data is sent to the video operation room 500 times per second.
The ball works with the semi-automated offside technology (which we will get into later) to ensure referees can accurately judge the position of the ball and players when the big decisions come.
And for a fun fact to round it out, the ball is powered by a rechargeable battery that’s charged by induction, the same system used by wireless phone chargers.
Referees plugged into stadium PAs
You’ll see the team of VAR referees in their little mission control room before kickoff. It’s their responsibility to review video replays to check for potential decisions missed by the on-field referee.
Now VAR isn’t new, it’s been in the game for years and has stirred up quite a few controversies in its time. What is new for this tournament is how the VAR decisions are relayed to the crowd.
Usually, decisions were broadcast to the fans in the stadiums via descriptions on the big screens, however they came under fire for causing confusion due to their brief nature. So, what does FIFA do? Take a page out of the NFL’s book.
Decisions are now explained by the referees over stadium PA systems for the first time at an international football tournament, and it was on display during the opening match of the world cup.
AI and the offside rule meet
If you watched the New Zealand and Philippines game, then you know exactly what this is.
Semi-automated offside technology is an AI-powered system that tracks players’ limbs to detect if they’re in an offside position and sends an alert to VAR.
But how does it work?
All 10 stadiums at the World Cup have 12 cameras installed that collect data on up to 29 data points on every player’s body 50 times per second, so you’re looking at 1,100 data points per second covering all 22 players on the field.
These data points spread from the tips of a player’s feet, to their arms, and the top of their head.
Using footage from the cameras, AI tracks when exactly a pass was made and what position an attacking player was in, relative to the defending players.
It determines if any part of the player was offside in half a second, sends an alert to the VAR operator, who can validate and confirm the information and notify the referee.
Like we mentioned, the technology determined a New Zealand player was offside, and revoked their equalizer against the Philippines in one of the first bold calls of the World Cup.
Every child’s favorite game gets an upgrade
FIFA World in Roblox has seen some major updates to coincide with the Women’s World Cup, including a range of immersive features and activities.
Users will access match highlights, real-time scores, and new skill games to keep them engaged throughout the month-long tournament. The national jerseys of every nation competing are available for avatars to wear and a virtual exhibition will run for the duration of the tournament.
The FIFA+ Sheroes exhibition, curated by FIFA Museum, shares the stories of women in the game both on and off the pitch, showcasing their talent and efforts to grow the women’s game.
If that wasn’t enough, FIFA Footblocks was also launched. The 3v3 arcade football game will provide an enhanced and competitive player-versus-player experience for fans to test their skills and get in on the action.
While there are some major technical advancements on the pitch, we can help you make the most of your time off it.
Learn how data-led decision making can build a connection with your fans like no other by getting in touch here.
And finally, while we’ve got you, we are hosting a 5-part World Cup podcast special, interviewing some of the biggest movers and shakers across the tournament with the first episode is now live, with plenty more to come.
Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts below to join in on the conversation.
