Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WHAT INNOVATIONS WILL COME TO FOOTBALL AFTER THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
The 2026 World Cup will not only mark a turning point due to its expanded format and multinational host countries, but it will also usher in a new technological era for football. While we've already seen VAR, sensors in the ball, and apps for everything, what's coming goes even further: artificial intelligence for referees, jerseys with biometric sensors, immersive broadcasts, and even real-time play analysis. Sounds like science fiction? Not at all. In this article, we'll tell you what innovations could be implemented in world football right after the tournament, and how they will affect the game, the players, and, of course, the fans.
Technology in Refereeing and the Ball
Since the introduction of VAR, football has changed forever. But what's coming after 2026 will make that video room seem like a thing of the past. Refereeing will be more automated, with less room for human error and even faster decisions.
VAR with Artificial Intelligence
A semi-automatic system was already used in Qatar 2022 to detect offside with sensors and 3D cameras. After 2026, this system is expected to be fully automatic, thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). What does this mean? That VAR could make decisions without the referee needing to stop the game.
Current average VAR review time: 85 seconds.
With AI, the goal is to reduce it to less than 10 seconds.
FIFA is already testing predictive AI in youth tournaments.
The Smart Ball 2.0
A ball with an embedded chip (Al Rihla) was already used in Qatar. A more advanced version is planned for the next World Cup cycle: the ball will send real-time data on speed, spin, trajectory, and point of impact. It will even be possible to detect if the goal completely crossed the line in tenths of a second. This will not only improve refereeing, but also television broadcasts, which will be able to show live graphics of each shot, like in video games. Can you imagine seeing how many km/h that amazing long-range goal was traveling at? Incredible! Fun fact: the 2022 smart ball sent 500 data points per second. The new model could reach 1000.
Equipment, health, and performance
Technology is also reaching the players' bodies. More and more national teams are using wearables to measure everything from heart rate to muscle exertion. After the 2026 World Cup, this trend will be the new normal.
Smart Jerseys and Shin Guards
Several sports brands are already developing jerseys with integrated sensors that collect real-time player information: body temperature, hydration, heart rate, calories burned, and even physiological stress.
This will allow for tactical changes based on actual fatigue.
It will reduce the risk of muscle injuries due to overuse.
There will be live physical statistics on every broadcast.
In addition, The shin guards will include chips that detect the force of impacts, helping referees better judge controversial tackles.
AI Performance Analysis
Artificial intelligence will not only be used for refereeing, but will also analyze each player's performance in real time. Algorithms already exist that process data from GPS, cameras, and sensors to predict fatigue or declining performance. A Premier League club is already preventing injuries using predictive AI. Substitution decisions can be made in seconds based on biometric metrics. This will also allow for the evaluation of young talents using objective criteria. Fun fact: teams like Manchester City already use AI simulations to decide lineups based on the opponent. After the World Cup, this will be commonplace in national teams.
Broadcasting, Fan Experience, and More
Football isn't just played: it's also watched, felt, and lived. Post-2026 innovations aim to transform the fan experience, whether at home, in the stadium, or on mobile.
Immersive Broadcasting and Augmented Reality
After the World Cup, several networks plan to offer immersive broadcasts with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This will allow viewers to "enter the field," change angles, follow a specific player, or watch replays from the goalkeeper's perspective. AR glasses can be used to view floating data about the match in real time. Second-screen apps with personalized statistics for each user. The ability to watch matches in 360° from the stands or behind the goal. Fan tokens, NFTs, and virtual football. Football is also going digital. More and more clubs and national teams are offering digital tokens or collectibles (NFTs) that allow exclusive access to content, raffles, and merchandise. After the World Cup, this could escalate even further. Furthermore, the integration of official virtual leagues is expected, where fans can compete representing their country with personalized avatars or even influence team marketing decisions through digital votes. Fun fact: During the 2022 World Cup, FIFA launched its own NFT platform. A version 2.0 is expected for the 2026-2030 cycle with global interactive experiences. In short: the football we knew is transforming. After the 2026 World Cup, changes are coming that will affect everything from the opening whistle to post-match social media. More data, more excitement, and an even stronger connection between players, the game, and fans.
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