SEATTLE, OCT 16 – Lenovo has signed a contract to become the official technology partner for FIFA, which includes the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico and the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The announcement was made during the Lenovo Tech World innovation event in Seattle yesterday.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement that the agreement will continue to improve the fan experience and continue to make data more accessible to fans and teams.
“At FIFA, we are committed to growing the game globally and making football accessible to all. We are excited to welcome Lenovo to join us and work together to implement the technology, innovation and programs that spread our sport. Data and technology combined help us get to know our fans better,” he said.
The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in 16 cities across North America. It will also see the tournament expand from 32 to 48 teams.
The 2027 Women’s World Cup will feature 32 teams, but the date and host city in Brazil have yet to be decided.
Jeff Shafer, Lenovo’s head of corporate marketing, said there have been several meetings with FIFA about the role of artificial intelligence in helping teams and fans better understand all the data generated during matches, but any ideas or improvements are still in the planning stages.
“Technology and football will really enhance the spectator experience to a certain extent. That’s what we’re working on right now. But we already, I think, have some really amazing and interesting ideas,” Shafer said.
Lenovo will supply ThinkPad laptops and tablets and Motorola mobile phones for the tournament to the competing teams, FIFA staff and various host country organizing committees.
FIFA has a huge amount of data during the recent World Cup tournaments, including detailed match reports detailing all aspects of the game.
Previously, data was limited to possession percentage and goal attempts, but with devices that track player movements and chips attached to the ball, data can analyze the shape of a team’s attacking formation or help referees determine offsides. The data can also be used for graphics on television or statistical calculations of stadium games.
Currently, FIFA has six technical study group members who help analyze data during the tournament and provide insights and observations. – AP
