After qualifying for the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, the Ivory Coast Elephants celebrated their achievement in the locker room. But one detail caught the attention of social media users: several players were wearing black vests that looked like “bras.” This image sparked numerous questions online. What is this gear that the Ivorian internationals are wearing? Here’s the explanation.
Contrary to what some believed, it’s not a bra, but a performance GPS vest, a must-have in professional football. Used by top national teams and clubs, it collects precise data on players’ physical performances during training and, according to regulations, during certain matches.

Inside the vest is a small electronic box placed between the shoulder blades. This device records several key indicators in real-time, including distance covered, maximum speed, number of sprints, accelerations, decelerations, and changes of direction. All this data is then analyzed by the coaching staff.
The goal is primarily athletic and medical. With this information, fitness coaches can monitor each player’s workload, adjust training sessions, manage recovery better, and limit injury risks, a crucial aspect during a demanding competition like the World Cup.

This technology is now an essential tool in modern football. It also helps coaches assess individual player performance and refine their tactical choices based on the actual efforts made on the pitch.
For the Ivory Coast Elephants, using these vests is part of a professionalization and performance optimization approach. While their appearance might surprise the general public, these tech vests have become a crucial element in the physical preparation of top-level teams and a valuable ally in the quest for performance.
🕺 HOW ARE THOSE STEPS, BOYS… PURE MAGIC! 🍕 After winning 2-0 against Curacao and qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time in their history, the players of Ivory Coast celebrated in the Philadelphia locker room with lots of DANCING and PIZZA.
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) June 26, 2026




