The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner. It’s set to be the biggest one ever, and the first to be played across three countries. On top of that, it will be the most technologically advanced edition of the tournament in its history.
Along with a greater number of World Cup related entertainment offerings around the tournament, there could be more social media punditry and even AI involvement in the North American edition of the prestigious competition.
Marketing Through Related Entertainment
Over the years, the entertainment industry’s involvement with the World Cup has increased. One of the most obvious ways that this happens is through pop music, with most editions having their own related theme songs, such as Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) in 2010.
Now, there are countless new ways for the entertainment industry to play a role, with streaming services having blown up in the last few years. Platforms like Netflix may release their own World Cup-related content to boost the hype levels and give fans new ways to get involved.
The iGaming sector is another one that could play a bigger part this time round, with its iunfluence in sporting events continuing to grow. For example, when people play bingo online, they can play slots and table games as well, many of which use a football theme. These include Big Football Bonus and European Football Roulette, and highlight how there’s a crossover between football and bingo fans. In the leadup to the World Cup, it wouldn’t be surprising to see themed games that help to generate football fever.
The Rise of Social Media Punditry
There has been a notable shift in recent years of everyday fans producing their own football-related content online on sites like YouTube. This sort of content appeals to the masses as it creates greater engagement and discourse around the game.
Fan-made content can also bring people closer to the action, with video blogs of matchdays inside and outside of the stadiums. That means that even people who are unable to travel to North America will be able to get a true taste of what the competition is like. Live streaming is set to play a huge role in the next competition, with plenty of opportunities for content creators to reach new viewers.
Could AI Play a Part?
When the last World Cup took place in Qatar, AI was only just getting started and wasn’t mainstream yet. In a short space of time, the technology has become highly advanced and has been used in various industries. There’s a chance that it could play a part in the next World Cup, providing a glimpse of what the future of football viewing could look like.
By summer 2026, AI will have advanced even more and could completely change the way we view sport. It could lead to AI-powered commentary and replays, along with curated highlight reels for different people. Pundits may use more AI tools to improve their analysis as well, helping to enhance the overall viewing experience.
The 2026 World Cup could be a massive leap forward in how people experience international football. It will be the most technologically-integrated tournament ever, and could lead to several exciting innovations.
