AI to Power Every Match at 2026 World Cup

When 104 World Cup matches kick off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada this June, artificial intelligence will be working behind every play, decision, and broadcast moment.

Technology giant Lenovo is transforming how the world's biggest sporting event operates. The company announced at CES 2026 that AI systems will support referees, analyze player performance, and manage operations across three countries simultaneously.

"These are live events with real pressure and real audiences," says Lenovo CEO Yuanqing Yang. The stakes are enormous when millions of fans watch in real time and split-second decisions can change championship outcomes.

The AI toolkit includes smart cameras that help referees spot offside calls with 3D player tracking technology. Body cameras worn by referees will provide stabilized footage for broadcasts, giving fans unprecedented views of the action. An Intelligent Command Center will use AI to coordinate logistics across multiple nations and time zones.

Players will receive AI-generated insights about their performance during the tournament. Broadcasters will tap into real-time data that makes coverage more immersive and informative. Fans navigating stadiums will use AI-powered wayfinding systems and digital twins of venues.

This marks the first time a World Cup has spanned three countries, making it the largest tournament ever staged. Traditional IT systems struggle with this scale, especially when audiences expect instant replays, accurate calls, and seamless broadcasts without delays.

The Ripple Effect

The lessons learned from managing AI under World Cup pressure will shape how the technology works in everyday life. When AI proves reliable during high-stakes moments watched by billions, those same systems become more trustworthy for hospitals, transportation networks, and emergency services.

Yang emphasizes that Lenovo views the tournament as a real-world laboratory rather than a marketing showcase. "That insight feeds directly into how we design and improve our technology," he says. Every successful AI decision on the field translates to better products for consumers and businesses.

The tournament also represents how AI is moving beyond cloud-based systems that depend on distant data centers. By embedding intelligence directly into operations at stadiums and broadcast centers, the technology responds faster and works more reliably when internet connections face heavy demand.

Soccer's return to its fastest-growing commercial market arrives with technology that matches the moment's ambition.