World Cup 2026 and Artificial Intelligence

A New Festival Created by Humanity Together

In the summer of 2026, the eyes of football fans around the world will turn toward North America. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest World Cup in history. The number of participating nations will expand from 32 to 48, and the total number of matches will increase significantly. Yet what makes this tournament truly remarkable is not merely its size. It may become the first World Cup in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) takes center stage in the world of sports.

In previous World Cups, victory and defeat were largely determined by the skills of players and the tactical decisions of coaches. While that remains true today, AI has emerged as a powerful new assistant in the preparation process. By analyzing millions of data points—including player movements, passing accuracy, shooting angles, and physical performance—AI can suggest optimal strategies. Coaches are no longer relying solely on experience and intuition; they now have access to scientific insights generated through advanced analytics.

Training methods are also being transformed. AI can monitor individual players’ physical conditions and predict the likelihood of injuries before they occur. In the past, injuries were typically treated after they happened. Today, AI can identify warning signs in advance, helping teams prevent injuries before they become serious. This not only enhances performance but also extends athletes’ careers.

Refereeing is another area benefiting from AI technology. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems have already become an integral part of modern football, but future tournaments are expected to employ even more sophisticated AI-assisted officiating. Decisions involving offside positions, handballs, and goal-line technology can be made with greater precision, minimizing human error. For fans who value fairness, AI is becoming a new source of trust.

The experience of spectators is also undergoing a remarkable transformation. AI helps optimize crowd movement within stadiums, reduce traffic congestion, streamline food ordering, and simplify entry procedures. In venues hosting tens of thousands of fans, AI functions as an invisible organizer behind the scenes. As a result, spectators can enjoy matches in a safer, more convenient environment.

Broadcasting is being revolutionized as well. AI can provide real-time statistics, automatically generate highlight videos, and deliver multilingual translation services. Fans around the world can receive match information in their preferred language and watch AI-generated highlights almost immediately after the final whistle. These innovations greatly expand the accessibility of sports content.

AI is also reshaping the process of talent discovery. In the past, young players often depended on being noticed by experienced scouts. Today, AI can analyze countless matches and identify promising talent across the globe. A gifted player from a small town may now attract the attention of elite clubs simply through outstanding performance data. Opportunities are becoming more accessible than ever before.

Yet AI cannot solve everything. The true beauty of sports lies in its unpredictability. Data may estimate the probability of victory, but it cannot fully account for the emotions, surprises, and miracles that unfold on the field. Upsets, last-minute goals, tears of disappointment, and moments of triumph remain uniquely human experiences. These are the stories that make football unforgettable.

As AI becomes more deeply integrated into sports, ethical questions also arise. Issues such as player data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and excessive dependence on technology deserve careful consideration. Technology should serve humanity rather than replace it. The spirit of sport must remain fundamentally human-centered.

The 2026 World Cup will be far more than a football tournament. It will serve as a living preview of the future society we are creating. On the field, athletes will compete with passion and determination. Behind the scenes, AI systems will analyze enormous amounts of data. Across the globe, billions of people will come together to celebrate a shared experience. The fusion of human passion and technological innovation may become the defining characteristic of this historic event.

Football has always had the power to inspire and unite people. AI, rather than diminishing that power, has the potential to enrich it. The 2026 World Cup will not be a stage where humans and machines compete against one another. Instead, it will demonstrate how technology and humanity can collaborate to create a better future. What we should anticipate is not a world in which AI replaces football, but one in which AI helps human dreams, talents, and passions shine even more brightly. In this sense, the 2026 World Cup will be remembered not only as a milestone in sports history but also as a landmark in the history of human technological progress. +++

{Solti}

June 13, 2026

Young Choi, PhD is a Professor at Regent University bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and creative spirit to everything he does. A scholar in AI, cybersecurity, and network & telecommunications service management, he has published 38 books including AI and cybersecurity area books, over 200 refereed articles, and over 20 book chapters. Beyond the academy, Dr. Choi is a passionate poet, essayist, calligrapher, and wooden block laser engraving artist whose reflective writing invites readers to rediscover life’s beauty in quiet contemplation(靜觀). He lives under the motto: “Study hard and give generously without holding back! (열심히 공부해서 아낌없이 남주자 !: 열공아남!)”

Published books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Young-Choi/author/B0DMZ5S6R7?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true