Will AI crown the World Cup winners?

Key points· Video

• The FIFA 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever — spanning three countries, 48 teams, 104 matches, and an audience of billions.
• Now, for the first time, artificial intelligence will sit at the heart of the tournament.
• From sharper offside decisions to real-time digital replicas of all 16 stadiums, organisers will use AI to monitor crowds, improve safety, and manage the event from a single command centre.
• Every player has been body-scanned to create their own individual 3D avatar — giving referees and VAR officials a far more precise tool for offside decisions.
• For fans, both in the stadium and at home, it promises an entirely new way to experience the game.