FIFA World Cup 2026 to Use AI-Powered Referees, Security

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The FIFA World Cup 2026 is not only set to be the largest tournament in the history of football, but it is projected to be the most advanced sporting event ever held. The tournament will implement various state-of-the-art technology innovations based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for security, refereeing, and operational aspects during the matches.

The prestigious tournament organized by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The event will have three locations, namely the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 48 national teams participating in 104 matches.

Quoting a report from Innotechtoday on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, FIFA has partnered with Lenovo as the main technology partner for this tournament. The technology giant will provide infrastructure enabling video processing, broadcast distribution, match highlight creation, and real-time data analysis during the competition.

Utilizing Motion Sensors

The same review mentioned that the 2026 World Cup is equipped with motion sensors that send position and movement data hundreds of times per second. These sensors work in conjunction with camera-based tracking systems spread across the stadiums to create detailed digital recordings of every ball movement during the matches. This data can be used to aid referee decisions, match analysis, and television broadcasting needs.

In addition, FIFA has enhanced the semi-automatic offside technology by combining AI, player-tracking cameras, and ball data. This system is capable of automatically alerting match officials when potential offside violations are detected, making the decision-making process faster than the previous methods.

To aid in visualizing match decisions, FIFA has conducted body scans of players to create three-dimensional digital models. This technology allows for accurate reconstruction of player positions during controversial incidents such as offside, providing viewers with more detailed visualizations than conventional replays.

Body Cameras for Referees

Another innovation being prepared is the use of body cameras for referees. After being tested in several FIFA competitions, this technology allows viewers to see the game from the referee's perspective in real time. Apart from enhancing the viewing experience, this feature is also expected to increase transparency in the decision-making process on the field.

FIFA and its media partners will provide a more interactive viewing experience. The presence of AI technology is utilized to automatically identify key moments in the matches, create match highlights faster, and tailor content to the preferences of each viewer on digital platforms.

Meanwhile, tournament organizers are using digital twin technology with virtual stadium replicas and supporting infrastructure to simulate the movement of spectators, transportation systems, and emergency scenarios before the matches begin. This approach helps in identifying potential operational issues early on.

Read: What Is Wrong with the 2026 World Cup

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