FIFA and Lenovo Present AI Infrastructure for 48-Team World Cup.

Roger Hampel

Image: FIFA

FIFA and Lenovo have outlined a package of AI-driven technologies scheduled for deployment ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a focus on officiating support, team analytics and broadcast presentation.

The technologies were presented at Lenovo Tech World 2026 in Las Vegas and form part of FIFA’s broader digital strategy for the 2023–2027 cycle. The rollout coincides with the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico, increasing both operational complexity and data requirements.

Football AI Pro: Standardised Analytics for All 48 Teams FIFA

A central component of the announcement is Football AI Pro, a generative AI assistant designed to support all participating national teams with pre- and post-match analysis. According to FIFA, the tool will be made available equally to all 48 teams, addressing disparities in analytical resources between federations.

Football AI Pro is built on FIFA’s internal football data models and Lenovo’s AI infrastructure. It processes large volumes of FIFA-owned match and performance data to generate insights in text, video, graphical and 3D formats. The system supports multiple languages and is restricted to use outside live match play.

From a governance perspective, the tool reflects FIFA’s stated objective of standardising access to high-level analytics at major tournaments rather than limiting advanced data capabilities to better-funded teams.

AI-Enabled 3D Player Avatars for Offside Decisions

FIFA and Lenovo also confirmed the introduction of AI-generated 3D player avatars as part of the next phase of semi-automated offside technology. Players will be digitally scanned in advance of the tournament, creating precise body models that allow for more reliable tracking during high-speed or obstructed actions.

The avatars will be integrated into broadcast output, enabling clearer visualisation of VAR decisions for both in-stadium audiences and global viewers. The technology was previously tested at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where it was used throughout a live match environment.

Updated Referee View for Broadcast Output

An updated version of Referee View will also be deployed in 2026. The system uses AI-powered stabilisation to smooth footage captured from referees’ on-body cameras, reducing motion blur and producing a clearer first-person broadcast feed.

The feature builds on trials conducted at the FIFA Club World Cup and is positioned as a transparency and engagement tool rather than an officiating aid.

Executive Commentary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino framed the initiative around scale and access:

“FIFA and Lenovo are fully embracing digital technologies and artificial intelligence to support teams and match officials, while also providing a new experience to fans worldwide. With Football AI Pro, we will democratise access to data by providing the same set of football analytics to all competing teams.”

Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang described the tournament as a testing ground for large-scale AI deployment:

“FIFA World Cup 2026, powered by Lenovo AI, will be the most technologically advanced in history. We are providing complete IT solutions that enhance delivery and experience at every level of the tournament.”

Commercial and Operational Context

Lenovo is FIFA’s official technology partner for the 2026 men’s World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup, supplying hardware, infrastructure and software across competitions. The “Football AI” programme positions the World Cup as a live environment for deploying enterprise-scale AI systems under broadcast, officiating and performance conditions.