The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, taking place in the United States, is serving as a true testing ground for technological innovations that promise to revolutionise football. From refereeing to the fan experience in the stadium, several innovative measures have been implemented, anticipating what could become the norm at major international tournaments.
Find out what these innovations are:
1. Referees with body cameras
For the first time in the history of a FIFA competition, referees are wearing body cameras. These body cams provide a first-person perspective of the most important moments of the game, which are used in broadcasts and subsequent analysis. The aim is to increase transparency and bring fans closer to the reality of such difficult decisions as those made in refereeing at the highest level.
2. VAR visible on giant stadium screens
Another innovative measure was the broadcast of VAR reviews on giant screens in stadiums. This allows fans to follow replays and the decision-making process in real time, promoting greater understanding and engagement.
3. Semi-automatic offside system
Combining sensors on the ball with high-speed cameras, the semi-automatic offside detection system speeds up and automates the signalling of positioning infringements. The system sends instant signals to the refereeing team, who simply need to validate the decisions. The technology has already been tested at the World Cup in Qatar and is now being rolled out on a larger scale.
4. Digital replacements via tablets
Substitution management has also been modernised. Technical teams now use tablets, which have replaced traditional paper and manual communication, with the aim of making the substitution process faster and more organised. Each team is given a tablet before the start of the game to manage substitution requests digitally, ensuring that everyone involved has access to up-to-date information and providing a clear view of the substitutions still available.
5. Artificial intelligence for real-time statistics
In partnership with Hawk-Eye, FIFA has introduced an artificial intelligence system that collects and analyses data in real time. Every touch of the ball, run, pass and tactical action is recorded and made available to commentators, coaching staff and fans. This technology improves broadcast quality and opens the door to new forms of sports analysis.
6. Tactile devices for visually impaired fans
In a notable step forward in terms of inclusion, the tournament is making haptic devices available to visually impaired fans, allowing them to feel what is happening on the pitch in real time. These devices simulate the movements of the ball and players on a tactile board, creating an immersive and innovative experience.
These innovations are also being used as a test for the 2026 World Cup, which will also be held in the United States (alongside Mexico and Canada). The 2025 Club World Cup thus functions as a “living laboratory”, enabling technologies and logistics operations to be tested in a real environment.
It is worth noting that, despite the increasing sophistication of technology, football continues to be decided by people. Technology is available to help referees mitigate errors, provide objective evidence and reduce unfairness. However, the final decision remains in the hands of the referee, who continues to have the final say. This approach maintains the balance between digital precision and human sensitivity, which is essential in a sport driven by emotion and interpretation.
