T he last instalment of the FIFA World Cup – staged in 2022 in Qatar – is said to have attracted engagement from a staggering five billion people across the globe. Across five host cities and eight stadiums, more than 3.4 million people attended matches, driving record global viewership.

The 2026 tournament will, for the first time, see matches played across three host nations: the US, Canada and Mexico. What’ s more, a record 48 teams are taking part, making this the biggestever World Cup on numerous levels. But what will AI’ s role be during the so-called greatest show on Earth?

Real-time data feeds, automated refereeing, predictive stadium analytics and AI-driven fan experiences are just some of the technologies that are

98 June 2026