Chapter 14
IA, IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP
General information about the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be one of the most important sporting events in the world and will mark several historic changes in international football.
Host countries: For the first time, the World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This makes it the first tournament with three host nations.
Tournament date: It will be played in 2026, between June and July, although FIFA will officially define the full schedule later.
Number of teams: This will be the first World Cup with 48 participating teams, instead of 32 as in previous editions. This will allow for: more qualified countries; more matches; greater representation from all continents; and more opportunities for emerging teams.
Number of matches: the tournament will have a total of 104 matches, making it the biggest World Cup in history.
Host cities: The tournament will be held in several major North American cities, including venues such as: New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Toronto, Dallas, Miami, among others.
Historical significance: Mexico will be the first country to host three World Cups, after 1970 and 1986.
Technology: Heavy use of advanced technology is expected: improved VAR; artificial intelligence; real-time data analysis; intelligent security systems; digital experiences for fans.
Economic and social impact: The World Cup will generate: international tourism; temporary employment; infrastructure investment; commercial growth; and a major global media impact.
Organization: The responsible entity is FIFA, which coordinates the classification, regulations, venues and global logistics.
In summary, the 2026 World Cup will be:
The biggest in history; the first with 48 teams; the first hosted by three countries; one of the most technologically advanced and commercially successful. It will be a tournament that will change the way we experience the World Cup.
AI can provide very practical assistance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in many areas, not only on the field but also in organization, security, and fan experience.
More accurate refereeing and decisions: AI systems can support VAR by: detecting offsides faster; analyzing potential fouls or handballs; reviewing controversial plays more accurately; and reducing human error. Example: automatic real-time tracking of players and the ball.
Player and team performance: Coaching staff can use AI to: analyze opponents; study tactical patterns; measure physical fatigue; prevent injuries; and plan personalized training sessions. This helps in making better decisions before and during matches.
Stadium security: AI can improve security through: recognizing suspicious behavior; intelligent crowd control; real-time risk detection; and access management and digital ticketing. This is especially important in a massive tournament like the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Fan experience: AI can help with:
Instant translation between languages; virtual assistants for tourists; transport and hotel recommendations; smart ticket purchase; automated fan service.
For example, a chatbot can tell you how to get to the stadium or where to stay.
Broadcast and Media: On TV and social media: more advanced live statistics; intelligent automatic replays; instant match summaries; automatic tracking cameras; personalized content for every fan. This makes the tournament more appealing to millions of people.
Logistics management: AI also helps organize: team flights; internal transport; accommodation; training schedules; and traffic control around venues. This reduces costs and improves efficiency.
Marketing and ticketing allows you to: detect ticket fraud; predict demand; improve advertising campaigns; personalize offers for fans.
Sustainability: It can optimize: energy consumption; water use; waste management; more efficient transport, helping to make the World Cup more sustainable.
In short: AI turns the 2026 World Cup into an event:
Fairer; safer; more efficient; more cost-effective; more exciting for the fans. It not only improves the football, but also the entire experience surrounding the tournament.
AI Opinion: My opinion is that artificial intelligence will be a key tool for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, because it not only improves the game on the field, but also the entire organization of the event.
I agree that one of its most important applications will be in refereeing. AI-powered VAR support will allow for faster and more accurate decisions, reducing errors in controversial plays such as offsides, fouls, or handballs. This leads to greater sporting fairness and more confidence in the results.
I also consider its use in player and team performance very valuable. Analyzing opponents, preventing injuries, and measuring physical exertion allows coaches to make smarter decisions. AI doesn't replace the coach, but it does give them better tools to compete.
Security will be paramount in a tournament as large as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Crowd control, risk assessment, and access management will help protect thousands of people in each stadium.
The fan experience will also be greatly improved. Virtual assistants, automatic translation, and transportation and accommodation recommendations will make the event more enjoyable and less of a hassle for visitors.
Furthermore, AI brings efficiency to logistics, marketing, and sustainability. From secure ticket sales to reduced energy consumption, its impact will be broad and positive.
In conclusion, I believe AI will make the 2026 World Cup more modern, safe, fair, and organized. Its true value lies not only in the technology itself, but also in how it enhances the experience for players, referees, organizers, and fans worldwide. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic edition due to its size, innovation, and global reach.
It will be: the biggest World Cup in history, the first with 48 teams, the first organized by three countries, one of the most technologically advanced, one of the most profitable and influential.
It will not just be a football tournament, but a global event that will unite sport, culture, economy and technology in a single international celebration.
