The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to operate under extensive integration of artificial intelligence (AI), marking a significant technological shift in global football. From tactical decision-making to overall tournament management, real-time data modelling and three-dimensional simulation are expected to play a central role throughout the competition.
Each participating team will be equipped with its own AI model. These systems will analyse opponents’ playing styles using video clips and 3D avatars, offering comparative insights into potential tactical outcomes. Coaches will be able to assess how adjustments in strategy might perform on the pitch, while players will receive detailed evaluations of their individual performances.
A key system, known as ‘Football AI Pro’, has been designed to process hundreds of millions of FIFA data points. It is capable of analysing more than 2,000 performance indicators, including pressing patterns, player movement, tactical formations, and transitions between attack and defence. The output is presented in multiple formats, including written summaries, charts, and short video clips, allowing for clear interpretation of complex data.
The technology has been developed by Lenovo, which is serving as a technology partner for the tournament. Research by Bank of America indicates that AI could reduce the historical technological advantage held by wealthier teams, potentially narrowing the competitive gap and placing teams on a more equal footing.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada across 16 cities. The tournament will feature 48 teams and a total of 104 matches, with the opening fixture scheduled for 11 June.
One of the most notable innovations will involve the rapid digital scanning of players’ bodies. Within one second, accurate 3D representations will be generated, contributing to more precise offside decisions and improving the transparency of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rulings for spectators.
In addition, each stadium will have a ‘digital twin’—a real-time virtual replica capable of monitoring crowd flow, identifying potential security risks, and tracking certain player-related data. This will allow organisers to manage operations more efficiently during matches.
The scale of data generation is expected to be unprecedented. According to estimates by SanDisk, more than 90 petabytes of data will be produced during the tournament, approximately 45 times the volume generated during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. When including social media activity, mobile usage, and other digital interactions, Bank of America projects that total data generation could reach approximately 2 exabytes—equivalent to around 45,000 years of 4K video.
The following table summarises key figures related to the 2026 tournament:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host countries | United States, Mexico, Canada |
| Host cities | 16 |
| Participating teams | 48 |
| Total matches | 104 |
| Opening match | 11 June |
| Estimated data generation | 90+ petabytes |
| Total projected data | প্রায় 2 exabytes |
Bank of America has stated that this will be the first World Cup in which data itself becomes a primary product, reflecting a continuous digital representation of real-world events, with several petabytes of data generated weekly.
Technological deployment will extend beyond stadiums. Autonomous robotaxi services are expected to operate in 10 cities, run by seven companies. These vehicles will function without traditional steering controls. Waymo is anticipated to have the largest presence, with plans for public transport services in seven host cities and testing operations in three additional locations.
Humanoid robotics will also be introduced. Hyundai intends to deploy Atlas and Spot robots, developed by Boston Dynamics, in selected host cities in the United States. These machines will assist with stadium operations, equipment transport, and spectator support.
Recent developments in other sports further illustrate the growing role of AI. A professional baseball team based in Auckland has begun using AI to manage most match-related decisions, including team selection, batting order, and in-game substitutions. Similarly, Norwegian club HamKam has conducted trials using AI in a head coach role.
Overall, the 2026 World Cup represents not only a major sporting event but also a large-scale application of AI technologies, highlighting their expanding role in modern sport.