World Cup 2026: Reasons Behind Using AI-Enabled Footballs

Why is AI-enabled football being used in this year’s World Cup? The upcoming football tournament, set to begin in a few weeks, will feature various new technologies. FIFA has provided details about these innovations, with the highlight being the technologically advanced football itself.

The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will use a highly advanced football. According to FIFA, while the ball will look and feel like a regular football, it possesses unique features. The “Trionda” smart ball contains sensors embedded in a chip that distinguish it from conventional balls.

FIFA states that this ball is capable of collecting data 500 times per second, allowing it to monitor every minute movement. This AI-powered football is expected to assist referees and officials in making accurate decisions by helping to identify common contentious issues such as handballs and offsides that often lead to disputes during matches.