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The technology company said its infrastructure will enable ultra-low-latency Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) distribution alongside traditional cable and satellite broadcasting, helping deliver live match content to an estimated 6 billion fans worldwide across three host countries.
As FIFA's official technology partner, Lenovo will install servers at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, Texas, while deploying more than 17,000 Lenovo and Motorola devices and over 200 engineers across venues and team training sites.
Why it matters
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 48 teams and is expected to be the most expansive tournament in the competition's history, increasing demand for resilient technology infrastructure capable of supporting live broadcasts and tournament operations at scale.
According to a company release, Lenovo's technology has reduced IPTV delays to less than five seconds, enabling near real-time access to match action across more than 1,000 screens throughout FIFA venues.
Lenovo ThinkSystem SR635 V3 servers will process and distribute live video feeds from stadiums across North America through 10 IPTV channels serving fans, media, officials, and VIPs.
"Lenovo's AI infrastructure is redefining the FIFA World Cup experience, delivering near real-time highlights, multi-angle views, and insights at unprecedented global scale," Lenovo president of Infrastructure Solutions Ashley Gorakhpurwalla said.
"Together with FIFA, we are running AI under the world's most demanding conditions—solving latency concerns and bringing billions of fans closer to the action than ever before, setting a new standard for live sports," Gorakhpurwalla added.
The big picture
Beyond broadcasting, Lenovo's technology will support FIFA's Technology Command Center in Miami and the Tournament Operation Center, which serve as the central hubs for monitoring and managing tournament systems in near real-time.
"The FIFA World Cup is one of the largest and most complex sporting event in the world," FIFA director of Technology Nacho Fresco said.
"With this edition set to be the biggest in history, delivering exceptional operational efficiency and cutting-edge technology is critical. Lenovo is a key partner in helping us meet the stringent low-latency requirements essential for live production environments," Fresco said.
Lenovo said its AI-powered innovations will also enhance fan engagement through 3D player avatars designed to help explain offside decisions, AI-driven venue navigation systems, and stabilized referee-view broadcasts.
The company will additionally provide FIFA AI Pro, an AI-powered knowledge assistant offering tactical insights to all 48 teams participating in the tournament.
What's next
The World Cup deployment follows Lenovo's launch of a dedicated sports technology vertical in March, reflecting the company's push to expand its AI infrastructure, edge computing, and operational technology offerings for global sporting organizations. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
