Wenger: Robots Will Soon Run Football

Football legend Arsène Wenger believes artificial intelligence will soon become football’s most powerful coach. Speaking at Lenovo’s 360 Accelerate event in Monaco, the FIFA Chief of Global Football Development said AI will eventually advise managers on real-time strategies during games — a revolution he says is inevitable.

“AI will transform our game like it will certainly transform society,” Wenger said. “If you collect live data, we’ll soon be capable of asking AI during a match what we should do next. We’re not at that stage yet, but we’re moving toward it.”

Lenovo, the official technology partner of the FIFA World Cup 26™, is equipping the tournament with AI-driven tools designed to enhance team performance and redefine the fan experience. Innovations are expected to power everything from in-stadium engagement to global broadcasts, with over six billion fans projected to tune in.

Wenger, who revolutionized English football with analytics and performance data during his Arsenal years, now leads a FIFA team developing AI-based analytical tools with Lenovo.

“The more you know about the players, the better your chances of selecting the best possible 11,” he said. “That’s the future of football.”