The official match balls for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will incorporate advanced technology, featuring a built-in motion sensor. According to Neësëeek magazine, citing information from Adidas, the manufacturer responsible for the tournament’s match balls, these new implements are equipped with sophisticated tracking capabilities. Adidas confirmed that each ball contains a 500 Hz inertial motion sensor chip.
This sensor is designed to collect and transmit data to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in real time. The 2026 World Cup will therefore utilize these new “smart” footballs. Each Adidas ball integrates a 14-gram sensor that monitors several key metrics during play.
Specifically, the system tracks the ball’s speed, trajectory, spin, and the number of touches made by players. This data is captured at a rate of 500 times per second. The collected information is processed to provide officials with detailed, real-time insights into the match dynamics, enhancing the accuracy and oversight of officiating during the tournament.
Topics: #sensor #balls #motion
This sounds like a lot of tech to worry about during a fast-paced game.