The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also be a World Cup for technology.
The 2026 World Cup will not only make history by being held in three countries – the United States, Mexico and Canada – with 48 teams participating – but also due to the myriad of technological innovations that will transform the way we play, referee, and watch football.
Among the most outstanding advances will be:
Artificial Intelligence applied to soccer
Systems will be capable of processing millions of pieces of data to analyze plays, tactics, and team performance in real time.
3D Avatars of the players
Each player will be digitally scanned to create three-dimensional models that will help the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) explain decisions – such as offside – more accurately.
Smart Balls with Sensors
The official ball will incorporate sensors that will send real-time data on the exact moment of the kick, facilitating faster and more accurate referee decisions.
New cameras and game insights
Transmission systems with innovative angles will be implemented, including from the referee’s perspective, to offer a more immersive experience.
Advanced visualizations for fans
Graphics, 3D recreations, and real-time analysis will make it easier to understand controversial plays and tactical approaches from home.
Everything suggests that the 2026 World Cup will be the most technological tournament in the history of football, where artificial intelligence, sensors and data analysis will coexist with the passion of the most popular sport on the planet.
Tomilli