Video: How Technology Changed the World Cup

July 7, 2026 - 22:45

The World Cup has always been a stage for drama and skill, but in recent years, the technology behind the game has become just as important as the players on the pitch. The Athletic's Hannah Vanbiber recently broke down the major innovations that have reshaped how the tournament is played, officiated, and watched.

One of the most eye-catching changes is the use of 3-D A.I. avatars. These digital recreations help broadcasters and fans understand complex offside calls and tactical movements in real time. Instead of relying on shaky camera angles, the system builds a precise virtual model of the action. Then there is the goalkeeper line-of-sight camera. This tiny device, worn on a keeper's head, offers a first-person view of penalty kicks and close-range shots, giving viewers a visceral sense of the speed and pressure involved.

Perhaps the most significant shift comes from Connected Ball Technology. Each match ball now contains a sensor that tracks its exact position on the field. This data is fed to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, helping officials determine offsides and handballs with far greater accuracy. The sensor can even detect the exact moment a player touches the ball, which has been crucial for settling disputed goals.

While some purists miss the old days of human error and debate, these tools have undeniably made the game fairer and more transparent. From the goalkeeper's perspective to the ball's internal chip, technology is now a permanent part of the World Cup's DNA.