The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to mark a major technological shift, with artificial intelligence (AI) at its core. Hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 48-team tournament will begin on June 11 and feature 104 matches. Each team will have its own AI model capable of analyzing opponents’ strategies through video clips, 3D avatars, and real-time data. Coaches will be able to preview potential outcomes of tactical changes, while players will receive detailed performance analyses.

Developed by Lenovo, the “Football AI Pro” system processes hundreds of millions of FIFA data points across more than 2,000 indicators. Analysts suggest this could reduce the technological gap between rich and smaller teams, making competition more balanced. AI will also enhance offside decisions through instant 3D body scans, improving VAR accuracy and transparency for fans.

Beyond the pitch, each stadium will feature a digital twin to monitor crowds, safety, and player health in real time. The tournament is expected to generate over 90 petabytes of data, with autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots assisting in transport and stadium operations.