Technology has played an increasingly integral role in professional sports during the 21st century and its influence shows no signs of diminishing.
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is amongst a plethora of upcoming events which will be driven by modern technology.
With that in mind, read on as we look at some of the ways technology will continue to push the boundaries at football’s top international tournament.
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2026 World Cup – Online Betting
Gambling operators have expertly capitalised on the popularity of football to power a massive boom in the online sports betting industry.
The World Cup is traditionally one of the busiest events in the sporting calendar, with punters across the globe eager to wager on the prestigious event.
Its allure can be evidenced on the sportsbook attached to this real money casino Canada platform, which is offering odds on the tournament more than a year in advance.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are among the technological tools which drive various elements of these innovative betting sites.
They provide real-time insights which allow operators to integrate live data into their sportsbooks, thus taking the betting experience to another level.
Live Streaming
FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026 is guaranteed to have a significant impact on the number of people who watch the tournament.
The addition of another 16 teams will increase demand in countries which may not previously have qualified for the international football showpiece.
A technology partnership between Lenovo and FIFA will help to make the World Cup more accessible as it will supply broadcasters with more stable streaming content.
Lenovo will provide high-resolution 4K and 8K streams supported by AI-driven compression algorithms which will remain stable for viewers in remote locations.
AI powered overlays will also deliver real-time statistics such as player performance metrics, which will enhance the viewing experience for people who bet live on the games.
AR And VR
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have already made inroads into sports broadcasting and the World Cup will likely push things further along the road.
AR And VR have the power to deliver immersive experiences for spectators and viewers watching remotely, allowing them to engage with football matches like never before.
For instance, the technologies allow people to watch games from different perspectives rather than just the usual cameras dotted around the stadiums.
Many leading mobile app developers are integrating AR into sports related platforms so users can access a wide range of ‘real-time’ information.
From live statistics to player heat maps and more, these innovative technologies promise to transform the way fans engage with the world’s most popular sport.
Stadium Technology
The 2026 World Cup will be played in 16 cities across North America, and each of the host stadiums will be powered by innovative technologies.
Lenovo’s partnership with FIFA will allow them to play a key role in supporting the infrastructure, which will enhance the overall fan experience.
Media facilities in the stadiums will feature Lenovo’s latest products, making the 2026 World Cup the most technologically advanced football tournament ever staged.
FIFA will also work closely with Hawk-Eye Innovations to address the issue of officiating error through the utilisation of features such as automated offside technology.
This will be part of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system which is now used extensively in major club competitions and international tournaments worldwide.
Disclaimer: The above references an opinion of the author and is for information purposes only. Never gamble for more than you can afford to lose. Gambling can lead to a serious addiction. Gamble responsibly.
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