FIFA’s high-tech revolution: AI avatars and smart footballs set for 2026 World Cup

The governing body for international football is readying a suite of technological innovations to enhance the upcoming World Cup tournament in North America. These new tools are designed to improve the experience for players, fans, teams, and broadcasters alike.

FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, announced earlier this year that the innovations aim to benefit every aspect of the “greatest game of all.” The technology will reshape how football is played on the pitch and how it is enjoyed off the pitch.

SENSORS IN THE FIFA FOOTBALL

A core element of the technological upgrade involves the match ball itself, which now features embedded sensors. Adidas has manufactured the FIFA Trionda ball, which is equipped with a 500-hertz motion-sensor chip.

This chip provides officials with comprehensive data by capturing the ball’s movement 500 times per second. This information will assist referees in precisely determining the exact moment a player kicks the ball.

The precise kick-point identification will facilitate faster and more accurate offside decisions. The sensor technology will also aid in identifying handballs and penalties by recording every touch on the ball during play.

This capability is expected to be crucial in situations that are notoriously difficult for referees to assess using video footage alone. By capturing every touch, the ball’s internal technology offers a level of insight previously unavailable to match officials.

FEWER REFEREE ERRORS?

In a move to further reduce officiating errors, FIFA is creating digital avatars for all 1,248 players participating in the World Cup. These highly accurate 3D models will be generated from a one-second body scan taken before the tournament begins.

The avatars will assist referees in making quicker decisions, particularly when viewing fast-paced or obstructed movements on the field. This new system will work alongside FIFA’s existing semi-automated offside technology.

The current system relies on stadium cameras to track the ball and player positions 50 times per second. When a potential offside situation occurs, control room officials receive an alert and can verify the position using the data.

This verification process happens before the on-pitch referee is notified of the decision. The newly created 3D player models will also be utilized to enhance live replays during official broadcasts for fans in stadiums and those watching at home.

Another AI application during the tournament will be the “Referee View” camera. This system uses AI to stabilize images, providing viewers with a perspective that makes them feel as if they are in the center of the action with the players.

DIGITAL ASSISTANT TO HELP IN MATCH ANALYSIS

A major initiative for the upcoming World Cup is the introduction of Football AI Pro, a digital assistant designed for all competing teams. This AI tool is built to analyze match data and provide tactical insights and performance evaluations.

The assistant aims to deliver actionable strategic recommendations to managers and coaches. By translating raw data into practical advice, the tool is expected to significantly aid coaching staff in their preparations.

Infantino has stated that this AI assistant will also serve to democratize access to football analytics. It will provide data and insights to all 48 participating teams, as well as to fans following the tournament.

The Football AI Pro tool is capable of generating text summaries, video breakdowns, and graphical representations of match data. These features will be instrumental in helping teams review their own performances and prepare for future opponents.