What Is Big Data and How Is It Used in the World Cup?
In today’s world, almost everything can be broken down into a data set. This data, known as “big data,” is being used by some of the biggest sporting tournaments, such as the World Cup, to gain a competitive edge in their games. For over five years, data collected has become increasingly important and been used to sculpt the way teams and athletes train, strategize, and even to assist in making decisions from the sidelines during the big matches.
Big data analytics is the use of technology and algorithms that can uncover patterns and trends from large amounts of data collected. According to Harvard Business Review, “Big data analytics is the process of examining large amounts of data of a variety of types to uncover hidden patterns, unknown correlations, market trends, customer preferences and other useful business information that can help organizations make more-informed business decisions.”
The World Cup
The 2018 FIFA World Cup was particularly spoiled with the best data and analytics technology before the tournament. Every movement and pass mattered and was tracked in real-time. It has proven to be the biggest and most influential use of data in market history.
Data and analytics are used to inform two areas of the game: coach decision-making and player performance. Coaches and analysts have access to powerful insights made possible by data, enabling them to identify a player’s physical and tactical strengths and weaknesses.
What Kind of Data Is Collected?
The type of data collected and analyzed at the World Cup is extensive and extensive. Teams, clubs and countries are taking full advantage of the comprehensive range of data available to give players a competitive edge. At the World Cup, performance data collected includes everything from passes, shots, set-pieces, tackles and formations. Physical data collected includes speed, body position, and data from player tracking systems.
Teams are also taking advantage of data visualisation practices during the tournament. Videos are analyzed of practice sessions and matches to assess each player’s performance and movement, to further refine training sessions.
Big Data at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, big data analytics played a significant role in making sure that millions of fans had a better viewing experience:
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Faster Wi-Fi. Big Data was used to ensure that the 900,000 Wi-Fi-connected spectators had access to the fastest Wi-Fi possible regardless of their location in the stadium.
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Optimal viewing experience. By tracking and analyzing spectator movements, big data allowed for an optimal viewing experience for the spectators.
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Fan sentiment analysis. Big data was used to uncover fan sentiment and engagement. This allowed sponsors to gain valuable insights on their product placements and promotional campaigns for tailored viewing experiences for their target audiences.
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Broadcast timing. With big data, broadcasters were able to utilize data analytics to ensure the right amount of time was allocated for adverts and to boost viewership.
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Player performance optimization. Team insights powered by data analytics enabled coaches to track and assess their players’ performance during the tournament. Player data was collected during practice and matches, which allows coaches to make better decisions from the sidelines.
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Ticket sales. Leveraging data from previous World Cup fixtures, big data helped FIFA to better understand and predict spectator capacities, allowing them to target and optimize ticket sales.
Big Data’s Impact on the Future of World Cup
Big Data is the most important factor for teams hoping to gain success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With data playing a major role in the decisions made and successes achieved, it’s essential for teams to have access to up-to-date performance insights and analysis.
More coaching decisions will be made driven by data and analytics in the future, as every move is tracked and recorded. Big Data will also become even more important to ensure the optimal viewing experience. Additionally, with analytics being used to track match results and players’ individual objectives such as passing accuracy, more data-driven decisions will be made on and off the field.
Big data played a major role at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and is an essential component of any successful program moving forward. As technology continues to advance, teams are able to utilize more data to make better, informed decisions when it comes to performance optimization, broadcast timing and fan engagement. Big data and analytics will be the driving force for success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and beyond.
