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By Open Chronicle with agencies
Brazil’s pursuit of a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup crown is being driven not only by tradition and talent, but also by cutting-edge sports science. As the Seleção prepares for its opening match of the 2026 tournament against Morocco, the national team is relying heavily on wearable tracking technology to help coaches make crucial decisions.
Behind the scenes, Brazil’s players have spent years generating vast amounts of performance data through the use of so-called “smart vests”, lightweight wearable devices that monitor physical and physiological metrics such as sprint speeds, heart rates, workload, fatigue, and recovery. The information is helping the Brazilian Football Confederation build one of the most comprehensive player databases in international football.
The system has become a cornerstone of Brazil’s preparation under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, offering the technical staff a continuous view of player condition throughout the club season, even when stars are spread across leagues and continents.
Building a National Database
Most professional footballers in Brazil and many of the country’s internationals abroad wear sensor-equipped vests during training sessions and matches. The devices collect detailed movement and fitness data, which is then shared by clubs with the Brazilian national team’s sports science department.
According to Guilherme Passos, head of sports science for Brazil, this constant flow of information allows coaches to monitor players even when they are not together in national team camps.
“Daily, when we are not with the players, we communicate with the clubs, and they send us the players’ information from the tracking system,” Passos explained. “It is easy to integrate that into our database and analyse the players when they are not with us.”
For an international side, where coaching staff have limited contact with players during the year, such continuity provides a significant advantage. Rather than relying only on occasional training camps, Brazil can evaluate the physical condition and development of its squad members all season long.
Data Driven Decisions
The information collected through the wearable technology influences far more than fitness reports. It helps shape tactical planning, player selection, and injury management.
Sports scientists pay particular attention to high-speed running metrics and sprint volumes, especially for players recovering from common muscle injuries such as hamstring strains. By carefully tracking workloads, staff can determine whether an athlete is physically ready to return to competition or whether additional rehabilitation is needed.
The data can also support tactical choices. Coaches may identify players whose speed makes them ideal for counter attacking systems or use recovery figures to decide whether an individual should start a match or enter later as an impact substitute.
The monitoring will continue throughout the World Cup itself, with players wearing the technology during training and matches. Given the short recovery periods between fixtures, the information may prove essential in managing fatigue and avoiding injuries during the tournament.
Technology Meets Human Judgment
Brazil is far from alone in embracing sports analytics. Many World Cup teams now use advanced player tracking systems, and FIFA has introduced new artificial intelligence-powered tools designed to provide instant feedback to coaches and players.
Yet Brazilian staff insist that data alone cannot define success.
Passos recalled a case where one player appeared to be underperforming because he consistently covered only around six kilometres per match, far less than many teammates. However, when analysts reviewed the footage, they discovered that the player’s positioning was so intelligent that he rarely needed to run long distances.
“He was always in the right spot in the perfect tactical position,” Passos said. “He was a very efficient player.”
The example highlights a key lesson for modern football: statistics can provide valuable insights, but they cannot fully capture qualities such as tactical awareness, decision-making and leadership.
Even when physical data suggests a player is in excellent condition, coaches may still make decisions based on technical ability, mentality, or suitability for a particular style of play.
The Human Element Remains
The growth of wearable technology and artificial intelligence is transforming football preparation, but Brazil’s sports science department believes the most important factor remains the people interpreting the numbers.
“The main difference is the specialised people behind the technology analysing the data and translating it into practical decisions,” Passos said.
As Brazil begins another quest for World Cup glory, the fusion of advanced analytics and experienced coaching may provide the extra edge the five-time champions have been searching for. The smart vests can reveal who is fit, fast, and ready, but lifting the trophy will still depend on what happens on the pitch.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.