The World Cup, which is taking place all over Russia this summer, is predicted to have an audience of over 3 billion people. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the World Cup is hard to ignore. If you spend more time playing FIFA 18 on your PS4 than you do actually watching soccer, here are the basics:

• 32 national teams participate. The teams are placed in 8 groups of 4; the top 2 teams from each group advance to the knockout stage after playing everyone in their group.
• The tournament will take place in 12 stadiums across 11 different Russian cities.
• The World Cup happens every 4 years. This year marks the 21^st anniversary of the tournament.
• All World Cups have been won by European (11) or South American (9) sides.
• The final will be held on July 15^th and will take place in Moscow, Russia.
• The U.S. failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup (we hope to see them in 2022).

While most people will set their sights solely on the pitch (the proper name for a soccer field), let’s take a look at the Geek-ier side of things: the new technology being implemented this time around.

• Video Assistant Referees: The VAR supports the on-pitch referees. There will be 3 VAR for each match who will be watching the game play-by-play in the FIFA video control room, located in Moscow. The VAR will use different camera angles to make sure controversial calls are made properly. These calls consist of goals, offsides, red cards, and harsh tackles. The VAR are able to suggest calls or call corrections, but will not be making any official decisions.
• Cyber Security: In order to ensure that things run smoothly, analysts identify potentially malicious activity based on keyword searches for FIFA and other World Cup organizations. From those keyword searches, analysts observed a low-medium presence of potential phishing and credential theft malware using file names with FIFA specific lures.
• 4K UHD Video & VR: This is the first large-scale sporting event where 4K ultra high-definition video will be used along with Virtual Reality. The BBC will be implementing both of these in order to ensure the highest quality level for viewers at home.
• Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems: This year, coaches and fans will be able to analyze every aspect of a player’s on-pitch performance. Through a wearable chest device, players can be tracked in real time in order to analyze heart rate, distance they’ve covered, passes, shots, and tackles.
• 5G For All: Fans will have access to 5G capabilities in all 12 stadiums. This will deliver faster speeds, greater capacity, and ultra-low latency.
• Adidas Telstar Ball: The Telstar ball will include a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip. NFC is the same technology that powers things like Apple Pay and Android Pay, and allows the ball to communicate with a smartphone.

If you are geeking out about this new tech as much as we are, then you belong here – check out our open positions and be sure to tune into the World Cup, even if it’s just to spot a call from the VAR.

Sources:

• 100 facts you should know about the 2018 World Cup
• A look at the FIFA World Cup 2018 from a Cyber Security Perspective
• World Cup 2018 Technology: Five Innovations To Watch Out For In Russia