m88worldcups.com – FIFA and Lenovo have unveiled a series of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technological innovations designed to enhance refereeing technology, match and performance analytics, and fan engagement ahead of the FIFA World Cup™ 2026, which will revolutionize the game with 48 participating teams.

Announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang at Lenovo Tech World 2026, held alongside the CES opening at the Sphere in Las Vegas, United States, the "Football AI" innovations include Football AI Pro, AI-based 3D player avatars, and the latest version of Referee View broadcasts.

These technologies underline FIFA’s strategic focus on digital and AI innovation, as outlined in the FIFA Strategic Objectives for Global Football: 2023-2027.

Football AI Pro, fully powered by Lenovo’s AI capabilities and built on the FIFA Football Language model, analyzes hundreds of millions of FIFA-owned and organized football data points to generate validated insights in the form of text, video, graphics, and 3D visualizations.

The interface supports commands in multiple languages and will provide consistent information throughout the tournament based on millions of football data points per match.

This new tool can be used before and after matches for analysis, but not during live gameplay.

AI-Based 3D Player Avatars

AI-based 3D player avatars represent a significant advancement in semi-automated offside technology.

Players participating in the upcoming global tournament will be digitally scanned to create accurate 3D models.

Each scan takes approximately one second and captures precise body dimensions, allowing the system to reliably track players even when moving quickly or partially obscured.

Moreover, these 3D models will be integrated into official broadcasts, enabling offside decisions determined by VAR to be displayed more realistically and engagingly for fans in the stadium and viewers worldwide.

This technology was successfully tested during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ last year, with player scans from CR Flamengo and Pyramids FC ahead of their FIFA Challenger Cup matches.

The system was trialed throughout the matches, demonstrating its capability and readiness to support referees during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

New Version of Referee View

FIFA and Lenovo have also launched a new iteration of Referee View, building on the success of the previous version during the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup™ last year.

Using AI-based stabilization software, footage from the referee’s camera is refined in real-time, reducing blur caused by rapid movement.

The result provides a higher-quality first-person perspective for global audiences, enhancing transparency, understanding, and engagement during matches.

Statement from FIFA President

“The 2026 World Cup will be the largest spectacle on the planet,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the event.

“Seven million people will attend 104 matches—equivalent to 104 Super Bowls—tens of millions of fans will travel to North America to experience the World Cup atmosphere, six billion people will watch from home, and the world will pause for a moment.

“FIFA and Lenovo are fully leveraging digital technology and Artificial Intelligence, ‘Football AI’, to support teams and referees while delivering an extraordinary experience for fans worldwide. With Football AI Pro, we will democratize access to data by providing the most comprehensive football analysis sets to all participating teams, and soon to fans as well.

“The next generation of Referee View will feature AI-stabilized images that offer a unique viewing experience—almost as if you are on the field with the players.

“AI-based 3D avatars will ensure precise player identification and tracking—a major advancement in semi-automated offside technology, producing better visuals, faster decisions, and clear understanding for all stakeholders.

“Of course, this is only the beginning, so fans around the world should look forward to more exciting developments from Football AI and other innovations, as FIFA and Lenovo create unforgettable experiences in the months and years to come.”

Statement from Lenovo CEO

Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang added: “The FIFA World Cup 2026, powered by Lenovo AI, will be the most technologically advanced tournament in history. We are providing a complete IT solution, enhancing tournament delivery and experience at every level. Football AI Pro will be a game-changer, and we eagerly anticipate seeing it, along with other innovations developed in partnership with FIFA, in action at the FIFA World Cup 2026.”