FIFA unveils “Football AI Pro” to power most technologically advanced World Cup

World football’s governing body, FIFA, has introduced a groundbreaking artificial intelligence system dubbed Football AI Pro ahead of the upcoming expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.

Developed in partnership with Lenovo, the platform is powered by FIFA’s proprietary “Football Language” model and is set to redefine tactical preparation, match analysis and officiating at the global showpiece.

For the first time, all 48 competing nations will have full access to a unified AI-powered system, providing coaches, analysts and players with elite-level data and tools previously limited to a handful of top teams.

Football AI Pro processes over 2,000 performance metrics derived from vast volumes of match data. Analysts can compare team patterns using integrated video clips and advanced 3D visualisations, offering deeper insights into opponents.

Coaches can simulate tactical adjustments – including formation changes – against specific opponents before matches, enabling more precise and data-driven decision-making.

Players will also benefit from personalised match analysis delivered in real time, helping them improve positioning, movement and overall performance during games.

In addition to tactical innovation, FIFA has enhanced officiating and broadcast systems through AI integration.

Every player has been scanned to create highly accurate 3D avatars, capturing exact body dimensions within seconds. These models will be used in an upgraded VAR system to deliver more precise offside decisions based on actual body shape rather than simplified graphics.

Referee cameras have also been improved with AI-powered stabilisation, producing smooth, broadcast-quality footage from a first-person perspective.

The technology was successfully tested during the FIFA Club World Cup and will now be fully deployed at the World Cup, which is expected to feature 104 matches, attract over seven million fans in stadiums and reach a global television audience of more than six billion.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the upcoming tournament as a historic spectacle driven by innovation and scale.

“The FIFA World Cup in 2026 is going to be the greatest show ever on planet Earth,” Infantino said. “Seven million people will attend the 104 matches – 104 Super Bowls – dozens of millions of fans will travel to North America to feel the FIFA World Cup vibe, six billion people will watch it from home, and the world will stand still.

“FIFA and Lenovo are fully embracing digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence, ‘Football AI’, to support teams and match officials, while also providing a new mind-blowing experience to fans worldwide.

With Football AI Pro, we will democratise access to data by providing the most complete set of football analytics to all competing teams and soon to fans as well.”

“The next generation of Referee View will show us new AI-enabled stabilised pictures to make the viewing experience unique – as if you are in the centre of the field with the players.

“And AI-enabled 3D avatars will ensure precise player identification and tracking – a big advancement in semi-automated offside technology providing great images, faster decisions and a clear understanding by everyone.

“But of course, this is just the beginning, so fans worldwide should stay tuned for more exciting developments with Football AI, and other innovations, as FIFA and Lenovo create unforgettable experiences in the months and years ahead.”

FIFA has described Football AI Pro as “the most technologically advanced system in World Cup history,” highlighting its scalability and cost-efficiency. The governing body also emphasised that the platform removes traditional barriers to access, giving all participating teams equal analytical capabilities.

Beyond the tournament, the implications could be far-reaching. If expanded globally, such AI-driven tools could significantly bridge the gap between elite and grassroots coaching, where access to high-level data and tactical modelling has traditionally been limited.

As football continues to embrace innovation, Football AI Pro may represent a defining shift in how the game is analysed, coached and experienced worldwide.