The Dawn of the AI World Cup
AI will sit at the heart of the World Cup, being used to monitor crowds, improve safety, and manage the event from a single command centre. Will more AI really improve the game?
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.
For fans, both in the stadium and at home, it promises an entirely new way to experience the game. So will more AI really improve the game? Or risk taking something away from it? AI Decoded explores whether technology can truly enhance football — and what fans actually want from the future of the sport.
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