United StatesThe 2022 FIFA World Cup relies heavily on advanced technologies such as sensor-equipped balls, real-time tracking systems, AI-assisted offside decisions, and AI assistants for all 48 participating teams. These innovations depend on a global network of data workers based in countries like India, Cambodia, and the Philippines, who annotate and process vast amounts of sports data. Football has used data analytics extensively for over two decades, with national teams and clubs employing data scientists, analysts, and specialized vendors to improve performance, training, and strategy. Data annotation work is often performed by former or current football players, providing them with extra income and deeper insight into the game. This labor is concentrated in lower-income regions, where workers convert raw footage into structured data for use by teams, broadcasters, and other stakeholders.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the role of data workers in the World Cup, highlighting both the technological advancements and the global labor dynamics involved. It includes perspectives from experts and workers without overtly favoring any particular viewpoint or ideology.
