Soccer fans enjoyed a fantastic summer of action across Europe, with Euro 2024 and the Olympic Games providing drama and excitement. Spain won the Euros on German soil to become the competition’s most decorated side. Team USA shone brightest in Paris at the Olympics when topping the overall medal table, finishing well clear of runners-up China, with Japan settling in third place. The countdown is now on to the next major soccer tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026.
The USA, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host the next World Cup, with games staged between June and July. A total of 48 teams from six confederations will compete at ‘We Are 26’, providing fans with games across 16 host cities. Will any of the home nations spring a surprise and win the trophy to delight fans? Will another European nation finish on the top step, or do you prefer the South Americans this time? Sports fans can have their say at the popular online sportsbook BetUS, which offers a wealth of odds and markets. Choose the outright winner or play one of the specials, including the top goalscorer or winning continent.
The previous World Cup was held in Qatar in 2022, and despite moving to the winter months to combat the region’s dangerous summer heat, it proved a big hit. Qatar 2022 set the standard for technology and sustainability before handing the baton to organizers from the US, Canada, and Mexico. The pressure is now on World Cup 2026 to build on the great progress achieved in Qatar. The world is watching and waiting.
How will the next World Cup use the latest tech to create a safe, green, entertaining, and modern competition? Our team of sports fans and content writers looks ahead at what we can expect and predicts the technology that will dazzle fans.
Enhanced VAR
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, first introduced in the 2018 World Cup, has already transformed football officiating. By 2026, we can expect VAR to be even more advanced, offering greater accuracy, faster decision-making, and a more seamless integration into the game.
One significant improvement could be the use of AI-powered VAR systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help reduce the time taken to review decisions by automatically flagging potential fouls, offsides, or handball incidents with greater precision. This technology could also provide more accurate 3D mapping of players’ positions, ensuring offside decisions are made with pinpoint accuracy. Additionally, advancements in AI could allow VAR to interpret the intent behind certain actions better, providing referees with more context when making critical decisions.
Smart Stadiums
The 2026 World Cup will likely feature some of the most technologically advanced stadiums ever built. These “smart stadiums” will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to enhance the fan experience, improve sustainability, and ensure the safety and security of all attendees.
One key feature of smart stadiums will be the use of IoT (Internet of Things) technology. Sensors embedded throughout the stadiums will monitor everything from crowd movement to environmental conditions, allowing for real-time adjustments to lighting, temperature, and ventilation. This technology will also help manage crowd flow, reducing congestion and ensuring that fans can move freely and safely within the stadium.
Another innovation we can expect is the widespread use of 5G connectivity. 5G networks will provide fans with ultra-fast internet speeds, enabling them to share their experiences on social media, stream live content, and access interactive features such as augmented reality (AR) overlays and real-time statistics. This connectivity will also enable new forms of fan engagement, such as personalized content delivered directly to spectators’ devices based on their location within the stadium.
Sustainability will also be a key focus of the smart stadiums. Many of the venues are expected to incorporate green technologies, such as solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and advanced waste management systems. These initiatives will not only reduce the tournament’s environmental impact but also set a new standard for future sporting events.
Fan Engagement
Fan engagement will reach new heights at the 2026 World Cup with the introduction of cutting-edge digital platforms designed to connect fans with action like never before. These platforms will leverage AI, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) to provide immersive and personalized experiences.
One of the most exciting developments will be the use of augmented reality to enhance the viewing experience. Fans in the stadium and those watching from home will be able to use AR devices or apps to overlay additional information onto the live game. This could include real-time stats, player bios, tactical analyses, and even interactive replays, allowing fans to dive deeper into the game and better understand the strategies at play.
Virtual reality will also play a significant role, particularly for fans who are unable to attend the matches in person. VR technology will enable fans to experience the games as if they were in the stadium, offering 360-degree views and immersive soundscapes that replicate the atmosphere of the live event. Some platforms may allow fans to choose their preferred viewing angles, follow specific players, or access exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants will further enhance fan engagement by providing personalized recommendations, answering queries, and helping fans navigate the tournament. These digital assistants could offer suggestions on everything from transportation and accommodation to nearby dining options and match-day activities, making it easier for fans to plan their World Cup experience.
Wearable technology
The latest advancements in wearable technology will benefit player performance at the 2026 World Cup. Wearables, such as smart clothing, biometric sensors, and GPS trackers, will provide real-time data on players’ physical conditions, helping coaches make informed decisions and reducing the risk of injury.
Smart clothing embedded with sensors will monitor players’ heart rates, body temperatures, and muscle activity. This data will be transmitted to the coaching staff in real time, allowing them to track each player’s physical exertion and make substitutions if necessary to prevent fatigue or injury. Additionally, this technology will enable personalized training programs that optimize each player’s performance based on their unique physiology.
GPS trackers will continue to be used to analyze players’ movements during the game, providing insights into their positioning, speed, and overall work rate. This data can be used to fine-tune tactics and ensure that players are deployed in roles that maximize their strengths.
