Lenovo is set to bring its “smarter technology for all” philosophy to the global stage as FIFA’s first-ever Official Technology Partner, marking a new era where artificial intelligence and sports intersect at an unprecedented scale.
The partnership, announced in October 2024, covers the FIFA World Cup 2026™ (US, Mexico, and Canada), FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ (Brazil), and FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. Lenovo will be the first global technology company to deliver end-to-end technology solutions across multiple tournaments, spanning devices, workstations, servers, storage, edge computing, and AI infrastructure. Supporting everything from command centers and media hubs to VAR systems and fan engagement platforms.
“Sports allow us to connect emotionally with audiences worldwide, but this partnership isn’t just about visibility,” said Jeff Schaffer, Lenovo’s SVP of Corporate Marketing and Chief Communications Officer, during a virtual media briefing. “It’s about leveraging AI to democratize and enhance the game. For FIFA, for broadcasters, and for fans.”
With over 6 billion viewers expected to tune in to the 2026 World Cup (featuring 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 host cities across three countries) Lenovo’s technology will ensure seamless operations 100 percent of the time.
FIFA’s Director of Technology, Nacho Fresco, called the partnership “vital and crucial,” noting that Lenovo’s integrated approach replaces what was once handled by multiple technology suppliers. “Organizing a tournament of this magnitude requires a partner that can deliver fast, securely, and at scale,” he said.
Lenovo’s products and services will touch nearly every part of the tournament. ThinkPad laptops, tablets, and Motorola smartphones will equip FIFA officials, teams, and media personnel across venues for content creation, coordination, and live coverage. The company’s servers, storage, and AI infrastructure will underpin FIFA’s digital ecosystem, managing everything from broadcast connectivity to data workflows and analytics, while its Hybrid AI Advantage framework ensures responsible AI deployment with measurable outcomes and strong cybersecurity. Lenovo’s Asset Recovery Services (ARS) will also support sustainability by securely recycling devices post-event.
Among its most talked-about innovations is the Digital Belt, a personalized tablet solution trialed during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. Designed for VIP attendees, the device offers real-time match data, replays, and venue navigation. After its success, FIFA plans to roll out the technology across all FIFA World Cup 26™ venues, involving thousands of devices.
Beyond the stadiums, Lenovo’s Legion and Motorola brands continue to power FIFA’s eGaming tournaments, blending traditional sports and esports under one technology umbrella.
Both organizations view this collaboration as a long-term investment in innovation and inclusivity. “We want to be known not just as a PC company, but as an end-to-end technology powerhouse,” said Schaffer. “And we want to make football more accessible, more connected, and more exciting for everyone.”
Fresco agreed, emphasizing that the solutions built for the 2026 World Cup will carry over to future tournaments: “What we’re creating with Lenovo is a legacy of innovation that will stay.”
Major announcements about Lenovo’s AI-powered sports technologies will be unveiled at Tech World @ CES in Las Vegas on January 6, ahead of the 2026 World Cup kickoff on June 11.
