How AI Will Power the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The last instalment of the FIFA World Cup – staged in 2022 in Qatar – is said to have attracted engagement from a staggering five billion people across the globe. Across five host cities and eight stadiums, more than 3.4 million people attended matches, driving record global viewership. 

The 2026 tournament will, for the first time, see matches played across three host nations: the US, Canada and Mexico. What’s more, a record 48 teams are taking part, making this the biggest-ever World Cup on numerous levels. But what will AI’s role be during the so-called greatest show on Earth? 

Real-time data feeds, automated refereeing, predictive stadium analytics and AI-driven fan experiences are just some of the technologies that are set to be seamlessly integrated and synchronised across borders. Managing, securing and optimising this massive digital ecosystem – particularly on such an unprecedented scale – will take a monumental feat of modern technology and artificial intelligence.

Powering a football revolution

It’s fair to say modern football is in the midst of a profound digital transformation. Driven by data analytics and real-time processing, AI is fast becoming a core component of the beautiful game. From tracking player workloads to optimising tactical shapes, elite clubs and national teams heavily rely on machine learning to gain competitive advantages.

However, this reliance has historically widened the gap between wealthy nations and those with fewer technical resources. Rather than simply optimising elite performance, AI is becoming a vehicle to democratise the sport, revolutionise refereeing accuracy and reshape the viewing experience for billions of fans.

AI takes centre stage

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the most technologically advanced tournament in history. In partnership with Lenovo, FIFA has unveiled a suite of "Football AI" innovations designed to enhance officiating, match analysis and fan engagement.

A cornerstone of this initiative is Football AI Pro, a generative AI knowledge assistant built on FIFA’s Football Language model. To level the playing field, all 48 competing nations will receive equal access to this tool. It analyses hundreds of millions of data points to deliver pre- and post-match insights in multiple languages through text, video and 3D visualisations, ensuring that tactical intelligence is not restricted by a federation's financial wealth.

Officiating will also see a massive upgrade through AI-enabled 3D player avatars. Players will undergo quick one-second digital body scans to create highly accurate 3D models. Integrated with semi-automated offside technology, these models track players through obstructed movements, providing faster VAR decisions. Crucially, these lifelike 3D graphics will be broadcast to stadium screens and global viewers, making complex offside calls easier to understand.

Finally, the fan viewing experience will be transformed via an updated Referee View. Utilising AI-powered stabilisation software, first-person footage from the referee’s body camera will be smoothed in real time. By eliminating rapid motion blur, global audiences will gain a clear, transparent and immersive on-field perspective.

Yuanqing Yang, chairman and CEO at Lenovo, says: “FIFA World Cup 2026, powered by Lenovo AI, will be the most technologically-advanced in history. We are providing complete IT solutions, enhancing the delivery and experience of the tournament at every level. Football AI Pro will be a game-changer and we can’t wait to see it – as well as our other innovations developed with FIFA – used at FIFA World Cup 2026.”

Aligned with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027, these innovations signal a future where technology elevates the game for teams and fans alike.

Football AI Pro: The digital equaliser

As the World Cup expands to an unprecedented 48 teams, the gap in analytical resources between competing nations poses a major sporting challenge. Enter Football AI Pro, a generative AI knowledge assistant developed by FIFA and Lenovo.

Traditionally, deep tactical analysis required extensive financial backing and massive data teams, giving wealthy footballing nations a distinct advantage. Football AI Pro aims to level the playing field by providing every squad in Canada, Mexico and the US with identical, elite-level analytical capabilities.

“With Football AI Pro, we will democratise access to data by providing the most complete set of football analytics to all competing teams and soon to fans as well,” says FIFA President Gianni Infantino. 

Powered by Lenovo’s full-stack AI and built on FIFA’s bespoke Football Language model, the platform is capable of processing hundreds of millions of data points per match. It is set to translate complex metrics into easy-to-digest text, video clips, graphs and 3D visualizations. Supporting multiple languages, the assistant allows coaches to input natural language queries before and after matches to dissect opponent tendencies and refine their own squad's performance. However, to maintain human tactical integrity, it cannot be used during live play.

AI-enabled 3D player avatars 

Semi-automated offside technology will take a massive leap forward at the 2026 World Cup through the introduction of AI-enabled 3D player avatars. 

Before taking to the pitch, participating players will undergo a rapid digital scanning process. Taking just one second per player, the scan captures precise, highly-accurate body-part dimensions to generate a faithful 3D model. This enables the tracking system to reliably identify and monitor players even during crowded penalty-box scrambles or fast, obstructed movements.

Beyond aiding the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room, this technology directly targets the fan experience. The 3D models will be integrated seamlessly into the host broadcast. When an offside decision is made, a realistic 3D animation of the exact moment will be displayed on stadium screens and global broadcasts, taking the guesswork out of controversial calls. The system has already proven its tournament readiness, having been successfully trialed during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup match between CR Flamengo and Pyramids FC.

Gianni explains: “AI-enabled 3D avatars will ensure precise player identification and tracking – a big advancement in semi-automated offside technology providing great images, faster decisions and a clear understanding by everyone.”

Referee View: First-person perspective for fans

Football officiating is set to receive a massive injection of transparency and immersion via the newly-updated Referee View. 

Building upon a successful initial trial at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, staged in 2025, this innovation utilises cutting-edge, AI-powered stabilisation software to revolutionise body-cam footage. Historically, first-person referee cameras have suffered from severe motion blur and dizzying camera shake caused by the official sprinting alongside elite athletes.

However, the new AI software smooths out frantic footage in real time, eliminating distortions while preserving a high-quality, first-person perspective. For billions of viewers watching from home, it offers an unprecedented look at what a referee actually sees before making a crucial decision. The technology is designed to bridge the gap between fans and officials, fostering a deeper understanding of the game's rules and the immense pressure of officiating at the highest level.

Gianni adds: “The next generation of Referee View will show us new AI-enabled stabilised pictures to make the viewing experience unique – as if you are in the centre of the field with the players.”