FIFA’s tech playbook: 4 new innovations debuting at the Club World Cup

FIFA World Club Cup

As players prepare to slog through yet another tournament in the congested football calendar, FIFA is using the 2025 Club World Cup as a testing ground for technologies that could reshape how the game is played, and perhaps watched. Underway in the US, Club World Cup has the likes of newly-crowned Champions League winners Paris St. Germain vying for the trophy with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami and 28 other teams. FIFA is using the Club World Cup as a testing ground for new technologies. Here are some of them

Referee Body Cams

In perhaps the most eye-catching move, referees will don body cameras for the first time in a FIFA event. While the footage won’t be used for controversial moments like penalties or red cards (for now), fans watching at home will get a rare, immersive view of the game through the referee’s perspective. The feed will be transmitted securely via private 5G networks, allowing production teams to cut it into live coverage and replays, said FIFA in a post on X. Though still in trial mode, this tech has already been tested in the Premier League and Bundesliga.

Live VAR feeds for stadium fans

VAR has long frustrated stadium spectators who are kept in the dark while decisions are being made. That’s changing. At the Club World Cup, fans in the stands will be able to view the referee’s VAR monitor feed on giant stadium screens. Even better, referees will verbally explain their decisions over the PA system, bringing stadium audiences closer to the transparency already enjoyed by TV viewers.

AI offside detection

AI is stepping in to clean up one of football’s most divisive issues: offsides. Using a blend of multi-angle cameras and in-ball sensors, semi-automated AI will alert assistant referees with an audio cue when a player is potentially offside. VAR will still review marginal calls, but this upgrade promises faster, more accurate stoppages that could reduce delays and improve match flow.

Substitution tablets

Say goodbye to hand-written substitution slips. Coaching staff will now use tablets to communicate changes directly to match officials—streamlining the process and cutting out paper waste.

FIFA says these features are trials, but if they work as intended, the 2025 Club World Cup could lay the groundwork for football to become more smarter and tech-savvy.