FIFA: a series of AI-powered innovations developed with technology partner Lenovo for the 2026 World Cup

FIFA and Lenovo, a Chinese electronics group (telephones, televisions, computers), have unveiled a series of technological innovations driven by artificial intelligence (AI) designed to "enhance officiating technologies, match analysis capabilities and performance, and drive fan engagement" ahead of the 2026 World Cup, on 07/01/2026.

These innovations, in line with FIFA's 2023-2027 strategic objectives, include:
• Football AI Pro, a generative AI knowledge assistant developed to support all 48 participating teams by providing pre- and post-match analytics (via text, video, graphs and 3D visualisations);
• AI-enabled 3D player avatars to improve players tracking and allow for a more realistic modeling of actions during explanations of VAR decisions, in stadiums and during broadcasts;
• Referee View, an AI-powered stabilisation software to improve footage captured from the referee’s camera and "deliver a higher quality, first-person perspective for global audiences."

Lenovo became FIFA's "official technology partner" for the 2026 World Cup and the Women's World Cup 2027 on 16/10/2024. The…