How Technology is Transforming the FIFA World Cup 

Every now and again the sporting world will undergo a technical breakthrough that changes the way we experience the sport itself. Technology that once seemed so advanced ( and sometimes controversial ) eventually integrates itself into the status quo. 

Technology in play

Take tennis as an example, the suspense of Hawk-Eye technology is now as much a part of the Wimbledon experience as the grunting serves or the occasional glimpse of Timothée Chalamet in the crowd. We can say the same for goal-line technology in football, and all the way back to the introduction of the ‘photo-finish’ in 1940s and 50s horse racing. 

Technology is constantly changing the face of sport and none with such gusto as with the world’s most popular sport: football. The biggest football event in the world, the FIFA World Cup, is the main stage where the best and brightest technologies are debuted under the eyes of millions. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia and 2019 Women’s World Cup in Paris, new technologies transformed the game, the experience, and how things were run behind the scenes. 

The virtual referee  

Even alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was the most anticipated new addition to the 2018 World Cup. VAR technology is used to assist the referee only on decisions that change the outcome of the game. The system works on a three-step process whereby officials recognize a VAR-worthy incident, provide advice (supported by technology that allows the referee to review digital footage of the incident), then make a final decision. 

Whether you appreciated the extra layer of scrutiny or not, VAR changed everything, from the atmosphere on the pitch to the way individuals played, and it’s here to stay.  

eSIM security 

Off the pitch, technology has also changed the way the FIFA World Cup is run behind the scenes , particularly when it comes to the media. At large-scale events, competition is high between broadcasters. Everyone wants the best footage and breaking news. When the stakes are this high, transferring large quantities of precious data can be precarious,  particularly as it is commonplace for journalists to use unsecured foreign SIM cards to do so. But many of the world’s biggest broadcasters have turned to a reliable solution: eSIM. 

eSIM (or embedded SIM) removes the need for a physical plastic SIM card. All important information is stored and kept secure over the air by a single supplier back on home soil. As a leader in the development of eSIM technology, 1GLOBAL has worked with some of the biggest global sports broadcasters to ensure all captured content and conversations were kept safe while keeping the media connected to the action. 

Wearable technology 

The 2018 World Cup in Russia was the first time wearable technology was permitted at a World Cup event. Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS) were introduced to create a direct line from player to coach through data. EPTS was onboarded in Russia to give teams access to match footage and player statistics in real time. The technology was implemented to lessen the chances of player injury and improve general performance. 

Like VAR, the need for EPTS in the game is still disputed by fans and professionals alike. In an interview with Engadget, the Secretary of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Lukas Brud said of the technology: “I’m a bit worried about these things, because if data says you’re bad but you still score goals more than anyone else, then how can you really judge a player’s performance?” 

These technologies are not always welcomed with open arms. But like tennis and racing before it, we can only assume that technology will play a major part in modernizing the game and won’t be getting the boot any time soon.