The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the most technologically advanced tournament ever staged.
It will fundamentally redefine how fans, players and broadcasters experience the beautiful game, and set new standards for future sporting events.
AI-Powered Venues and Immersive Stadium Tech
The 2026 World Cup will be played across three North American countries in modern stadiums supported by the latest sports technology.
FIFA is working with Lenovo to design the perfect ambience for fans with state-of-the-art facilities that improve fan accessibility and engagement. They want to ensure behind-the-scenes operations run smoothly.
Lenovo will be FIFA’s official tech partner, providing an exciting range of devices, including ThinkPad laptops, tablets, Motorola smartphones and advanced servers.
These devices will power artificial intelligence (AI) for match analytics, stadium communications and media centres. They ensure that there is an interconnected tech ecosystem that runs in sync.
Tech is also expected to play a key role in officiating. Hawk Eye will deploy its latest automated offside technology to eliminate human errors and make calls more transparent.
Semi-automated systems worked at other FIFA tournaments, but the new technology means decisions will be faster and more accurate.
Fans will enjoy improved matchday experience thanks to smart signage that uses real-time data to navigate large venues. AI can power crowd control systems and fortify security.
Press and media operations will use modern, high-speed audiovisual infrastructure for broadcasting and translating languages in real time from press conferences.
These upgrades help broadcasters and journalists deliver content without delays and technical glitches to ensure fans are kept fully informed.
Betting Goes Smart
The global betting industry is a fertile ground for remarkable innovation, and the 2026 World Cup will push the boundaries even further.
The World Cup will trigger a surge in live betting with hundreds of millions of fans worldwide expected to engage with online sportsbooks.
New Zealand, where the love for football is growing, is a perfect example. The team has qualified for the tournament and Kiwi fans will be eager to wager on their games.
Reputable betting apps in New Zealand will be flooded with wagers backing the team to make a splash in North America after a dominant qualifying campaign.
Betting site operators are investing heavily in technology to handle the demand. They will rely on AI and machine learning tech to deliver real-time match insights to aid decision-making.
They plan to embed predictive analytics with data feeds to empower users to make better bets in real time. AI can also help operators to tailor personal recommendations.
The technology can study user behaviour, preferred teams and wagering patterns to deliver engaging offers and improve the overall betting experience.
Blockchain is also poised to be another game-changing phenomenon. Users want high-speed, transparent and secure transactions. These are the elements that make digital tokens attractive.
Sportsbooks now offer their users the option of blockchain for deposits and withdrawals. Decentralised ledgers ensure betting outcomes are verifiable and tamper-proof.
This combination of AI, big data and blockchain will transform World Cup wagering into a truly gamified experience for bettors across the world.
Streaming the Show
Many fans will watch the 2026 World Cup from overseas. They will rely on streaming platforms embedded with solid AI systems to enjoy the tournament.
Lenovo has a key role to play here. The company will use AI to deliver ultra-high-definition 4k and 8k streams with no latency, allowing fans from every corner of the globe to enjoy the showpiece.
Viewers will get AI-powered interactive overlays featuring real-time stats, player performance analytics and tactical insights during the game. Fans love these overlays as they provide a better understanding of the action and how the tactical battle is playing out.
Streaming platforms have a social section for interaction. Viewers can take surveys, chat with other fans and join virtual watch parties. This medium is a means of bonding with fellow football fans in a communal setting, sharing the joy of this thrilling global festival.
AI can make the tournament accessible regardless of location or native tongue. It will bridge the language barrier by transcribing text. It can do the same for real-time subtitles and commentary in multiple languages.
Fan zones outside host cities will be buzzing with boisterous energy thanks to projection mapping, LED screen tech and distributed audio systems.
Popular public parks, plazas and city centres will become immersive mini-stadiums powered by the latest technological innovations.
