Lenovo and FIFA announce AI-powered technological innovations for the 2026 World Cup

The Chinese company has activated its sponsorship of the competition with a series of modernizations for officiating, national delegations, and fans.

The primary launch is "Football AI Pro," a generative AI knowledge assistant designed to analyze data and help all 48 participating teams enhance their sporting performance through pre- and post-match insights.

Another innovation is the AI-enabled 3D player avatar system, which will assist officiating and broadcasts with semi-automated offside technology. Players will undergo digital scans to generate highly accurate 3D models, increasing the precision of the technology.

Finally, Lenovo's AI will also be used to improve the quality of the live "Referee View" camera. The software will reduce motion blur in real-time to provide global audiences with a sharper first-person perspective.

Lenovo has been FIFA's Official Technology Partner since 2024, and the partnership will also include the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.