FIFA says it's prepared for "climate-related risks" but doesn't appear to have a plan for wildfire smoke, which can be harmful to players and fans.
At the 2026 World Cup, the refs on the field and the officials on the sidelines will be able to use an abundance of tech to help call penalties, spot offside violations, and make other consequential decisions.
The video assistant referee system, known as VAR, and the semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) have been used in soccer for years. But the setup at this summer's World Cup represents some of the most advanced uses of adjudication tech to date—not just in soccer, but across all high-level sports.
During each match, the pitch will be awash in sensors, cameras, and new computer vision software. One especially notable advancement this year is the use of digital twins. Every player in the World Cup has had their body scanned by a computer. The digital twin of any athlete—which precisely matches their height, limb length, and shoe size—can be dropped into a virtual simulation of the game to determine their exact position relative to the ball, boundary lines, and other players. Officials can use all of this data to help spot infractions, determine penalties, and smooth out the edges of the beautiful game.
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Councils are warning England fans not to hang St George's Cross flags on public property during the World Cup to avoid being unwelcoming and divisive.
The post Councils Tell Residents Not to Hang England Flags During World Cup Because it is Unwelcoming and Divisive appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
Wearing England badges during the World Cup could intimidate detained migrants and must be avoided, immigration officers have been told.
The post Wearing England Badges During World Cup Could Intimidate Detained Migrants, Immigration Officers Told appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.
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