FIFA is deploying a suite of new technologies for the 2026 World Cup in North America, aiming to improve both the game and the fan experience. The innovations include AI-generated player avatars, sensor-equipped match balls, and a generative AI platform for team analysis.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, stated in Las Vegas: "We are ensuring that innovation benefits every player, every team, and every fan everywhere in the world … and of course benefits the greatest game of all, football."
Sensors in the Ball
The official match ball, the Trionda by Adidas, contains a 500-hertz motion-sensor chip capturing data 500 times per second. This technology helps referees identify the exact moment of contact to make quicker offside calls and detect handballs or penalties.
AI Avatars for Referees
FIFA will create digital avatars of all 1,248 players using a one-second body scan before the tournament. These "highly accurate" 3D models will assist referees in making faster decisions during fast or obstructed plays. The models will also be integrated into live broadcast replays for fans.
The semi-automated offside technology, using stadium cameras to track ball and player positions 50 times per second, will also be enhanced. An AI-powered "Referee View" camera will broadcast stabilized images, giving viewers the feeling of being on the field.
AI Assistant for Teams
FIFA is developing "Football AI Pro," an AI assistant for all 48 competing teams. It will analyze matches to deliver tactical insights, performance analysis, and strategic recommendations. The tool aims to democratize access to data by converting raw match data into text summaries, video breakdowns, and graphical representations for managers and coaches.