AI at the World Cup: smarter tactics, healthy players, safer crowds – but new risks

FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest sports event in attendance, revenue, and viewership; also marked by significant use of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI will primarily be used on the pitch for tools supporting player, team, and match evaluation, predicting injury, and talent scouting.
Referees will benefit from AI-enhanced offside technology and 3D avatars for more precise decision-making during matches, including VAR processes.
Off the pitch, AI will assist in crowd management and logistics through the FIFA Intelligence Command Centre and digital twin models of stadiums.
Risks related to AI include potential loss of human skills, data privacy issues, equal access concerns, and the possibility of AI implementation for nefarious purposes like ticketing scams.
AI is set to play a significant role in preparation, performance, and recovery for athletes, potentially widening the gap between larger and smaller nations or providing an advantage to smaller teams with access to AI tools.
Future of AI in sports may include tactical homogenisation and greater integration into match officiating, but no AI agent scoring a goal or robot coach calling the shots any time soon.