Football fans have already got used to a number of ways that technology and the beautiful game connect. On the pitch, referees have been aided by Hawk-Eye systems for a while now, with goal-line technology, offside checking, and the infamous and sometimes controversial video assistant referee or VAR. Next year’s World Cup is being touted as being the most tech-enabled football competition yet, however, with Chinese tech giant Lenovo partnering with FIFA both on and off the field of play.
One new development is an AI-powered ball named the Trionda – a combination of ‘tri’, representing the three host nations of the USA, Canada and Mexico, and ‘onda’, the Spanish word for ‘wave’. The Adidas-designed official match ball contains sensors and an AI chip to provide what is termed Connected Ball Technology. This tracks every touch and movement and sends real-time data to officials to help with decisions such as handball. In a less technological aside, Adidas also says that the ball’s textured surface provides for a more predictable trajectory, better touch and lower water uptake.
Lenovo will provide tech assistance on and off the pitch
As well as providing the laptops, tablets and servers used by the game officials on the day, Lenovo will also provide the storage, servers and edge infrastructure needed to process and communicate the data and tie all these systems together.
Beyond the pitch and its immediate environs, there are also expected to be new or improved services for viewers. More AI-powered innovations are expected to be announced at the CES annual tech showcase in Las Vegas in January. This year’s FIFA Club World Cup, which was won by Chelsea with a 3-0 victory in the final against Paris Saint-Germain in July, provided a taster of some of what we might expect, with Lenovo again being the tournament’s Official Technology Partner.
In a release last week, Lenovo said that FIFA’s initial requests included “end-to-end device lifecycle management, tournament event technology and venue management, digital VIP experiences, eGaming equipment, infrastructure for broadcast services, and AI-powered analytical tools”.
FIFA technology director Nacho Fresco said that 2026 would be “the most technologically advanced FIFA World Cup” yet, but added that the advancements would also extend to further competitions, including the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
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