Lenovo, FIFA roll out AI-powered tech to transform operations and fan experience at World Cup 2026

By TechWatch PH Staff

Lenovo and FIFA World Cup 2026 are set to redefine how football’s biggest stage is run and experienced, unveiling a wide range of AI-driven solutions designed to power tournament operations, enhance officiating accuracy, and deliver more immersive fan engagement.

The initiatives were announced during Tech World @ CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where FIFA President Gianni Infantino joined Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yang Yuanqing on stage to showcase the custom AI systems that will underpin the 2026 tournament, to be held across North America.

As the official technology partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Lenovo will provide the technology backbone for what FIFA describes as its largest and most complex tournament to date, spanning three countries, more teams, and more matches than any previous edition.

Among the most notable innovations is the introduction of AI-enabled digital avatars into officiating technology and match broadcasts. Using advanced generative AI and 3D assets, FIFA will create highly accurate 3D representations of players, reflecting their individual physical dimensions to support decision-making—particularly during offside reviews.

The technology was successfully tested at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ in Qatar last December and will now be integrated into Advanced Semi-Automated Offside Technology for the 2026 World Cup.

“We are working with FIFA to create the next generation of AI-enabled 3D avatars, so that the world’s greatest players are represented as realistically and accurately as possible,” said Art Hu, Lenovo Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology and Delivery Officer of its Solutions and Services Group.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said the innovation enhances both transparency and trust in officiating decisions, while giving fans clearer visual context during key moments.

Beyond match officiating, Lenovo’s AI solutions will also play a central role in tournament logistics and operations. An AI-powered Intelligent Command Center will provide real-time monitoring of World Cup activities, generating daily summaries and insights to help FIFA officials track trends and respond quickly across venues and host cities.

Lenovo technologies such as digital twins of stadiums will support real-time situational awareness, while Smart Wayfinding will connect cities, fan zones, venues, and landmarks into an interactive, AI-guided navigation system aimed at improving crowd flow and mobility throughout the tournament.

FIFA and Lenovo also confirmed the return of Referee View at World Cup 2026, following its initial rollout at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. Enhanced with AI-driven video stabilization, referee body cameras will provide fans with a clearer, steadier on-field perspective, while also supporting match officials during critical moments.

Lenovo Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Strategy Officer Gina Qiao said the technology is designed to bring fans closer to the action than ever before, offering a dramatic viewpoint from the center of the pitch.

In addition to infrastructure and services, Lenovo is launching a lineup of FIFA World Cup 26™ Special Edition devices across its commercial, consumer, and gaming portfolios. 

The collection spans a wide range of devices tailored to different users, starting with the ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1 and X9-15 Gen 1, premium ultra-thin laptops built for professionals who demand top-tier performance and reliability, alongside the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 and 14, Lenovo’s flagship business laptops enhanced with FIFA World Cup 26™ Special Edition detailing. 

It also includes the ThinkBook 14 G8+, 14 G9, 16 G9, and 16p G9, stylish small- and medium-business-focused laptops that balance strong performance with value and modern design. 

Rounding out the lineup are the Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition, part of Lenovo’s premium Aura Edition portfolio offering elevated AI-powered experiences in a sleek, ultra-portable form; the Idea Tab FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition, a versatile tablet with a special-edition finish for entertainment on the go; the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition, a high-performance gaming laptop with exclusive tournament aesthetics; and the Lenovo Legion Tab FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition, Lenovo’s portable gaming tablet featuring custom FIFA World Cup 26™ branding.

The special-edition lineup follows the unveiling of the motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition, presented to Infantino during the Tech World event, as Lenovo deepens its push to blend AI, hardware, and global sports entertainment at scale.