The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is the biggest sporting event on the planet. But behind every unforgettable match is an extraordinary operation powered by innovation, collaboration, and technology. In this episode of Perspective+, Ken Wong, Executive Vice President and President of Lenovo Solutions & Services Group, sits down with Nacho Fresco, FIFA’s Director of Technology, at FIFA headquarters in Miami to explore what it takes to deliver the largest and most complex FIFA World Cup™ in history.
Their conversation goes beyond football to examine how AI, data, and emerging technologies are transforming the fan experience while helping organizers manage an event spanning 48 teams, 16 host cities, and three countries. They also discuss how leaders balance innovation with reliability, why technology must enhance rather than replace the game, and how breakthroughs developed for the world’s biggest sporting event can create value far beyond the pitch.
The episode also highlights the strategic collaboration between FIFA and Lenovo, showcasing innovations such as FIFA AI Pro, AI-powered referee camera stabilization, and 3D digital player avatar visualizations that enhance advanced semi-automated offside decisions. Together, these technologies are helping redefine how billions of fans experience football today while creating solutions that can scale across industries tomorrow.
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