Sports Desk May 30 (V7N) — Modern technology is set to play an even greater role in football at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament expected to feature a new generation of smart match balls equipped with advanced tracking technology.

Unlike conventional footballs, the high-tech ball will contain an integrated electronic sensor powered by a rechargeable battery. As a result, each ball will need to be fully charged before matches, much like modern electronic devices.

Building on the innovations introduced during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the new system is designed to provide even greater accuracy in key decisions such as offsides, goal-line incidents and player-ball contact detection.

During the Qatar World Cup, football fans witnessed the introduction of an internal sensor suspended inside the ball. For the upcoming tournament, however, the technology has reportedly been refined further. The sensor will be embedded directly into a designated panel of the ball, allowing for improved balance and a more natural flight path.

The miniature sensor will transmit real-time data whenever a player touches the ball. This information will be combined with data collected by multiple high-speed tracking cameras positioned around the stadium. The integrated system will monitor both the ball and player movements dozens of times per second, enabling officials and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team to make faster and more accurate decisions.

The technology is expected to strengthen semi-automated offside detection and goal-line decision-making, reducing the likelihood of controversial refereeing calls.

According to reports, the sensor is extremely lightweight and designed so that players will not notice any difference while kicking or controlling the ball. The built-in battery is expected to provide several hours of continuous operation, ensuring uninterrupted performance throughout regulation time, extra time and penalty shootouts if required.

Football governing bodies continue to invest heavily in technology aimed at improving fairness and accuracy in the game. With these innovations, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to deliver one of the most technologically advanced tournaments in football history.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.

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