The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway. If you’re watching anyway and are keen to contribute to science at the same time, researchers at Bielefeld University are looking for you. Well, they’re looking for you if you own a specific wearable tracker.
The researchers are “investigating how fans of different national teams physically respond to match events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” It’s not the first study of its type. Previous attempts found links between football fans’ heart rates and stress levels. So Bielefeld University is running the play again.
World Cup scientist
Initially, the research study was confined to folks who watch the World Cup and own Garmin devices. It’s since been expanded to include products from other brands. Compatible tech now includes the Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch, Samsung Health devices, Garmin, Fitbit, Oura, Polar, Amazfit, Coros, Whoop, Xiaomi Mi Fitness, Withings, and Wahoo wearables. Odds are you’ve got one of those.
Even though the football event has started, the university is still accepting sign-ups. If you choose to participate (and that’s not guaranteed), you’ll hand over some body metrics — heart rate, activity, and sleep data. Optionally, you’ll also supply info about how you watched a given match.
The way the study works is that the researchers will compile participants into batches, divided by supporters. So Italy should get a study group, and South Africa, and probably even Curaçao. When a batch has enough participants, each person will be sent information on how to connect their wearable.
You were going to watch the FIFA World Cup anyway. At least this way, you can tell a significant other that you’re doing it for science.
