Argentina national football team to use Google Gemini AI during the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Argentina announced a strategic partnership with Google Gemini to integrate artificial intelligence into tactical analysis and injury prevention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Photo: Ángel Colmenares/EFE

Argentina national football team is taking a major technological step ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The reigning world champions announced a partnership with Google Gemini that will allow Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff to integrate artificial intelligence into match preparation, tactical analysis and injury prevention throughout the tournament.

The collaboration was officially unveiled Wednesday in Times Square, New York, less than a month before the start of the World Cup in North America.

According to AFA commercial director Leandro Petersen, the agreement represents one of the most significant partnerships in the federation’s history. The AI platform will help Argentina process real-time data, monitor players’ physical conditions and improve decision-making during matches.

“Toda esa tecnología nos va a permitir trabajar mucho en la prevención de lesiones, el análisis táctico y muchas otras cosas en tiempo real”, Petersen said during the presentation.

Gemini’s technology will reportedly analyze tactical patterns, generate advanced statistics and monitor physical performance through wearable devices used by players during training and matches.

The initiative also aims to transform the fan experience. Supporters will be able to use AI-powered tools to generate images, songs and digital content related to stars such as Lionel Messi.

Flor Sabatini, Google’s communications director for Latin America, described the 2026 tournament as a turning point for football and artificial intelligence.

“This World Cup will be completely different from anything we’ve experienced before,” Sabatini said. “AI will be in the hands of fans, players and coaching staffs.”

The 2026 edition will be the first men’s World Cup since the global rise of AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Grok and Gemini.

Argentina heads into the tournament as one of the leading title contenders alongside France national football team and Spain national football team. Led by Messi, the Albiceleste will attempt to defend the title won in Qatar 2022 and capture a fourth World Cup trophy.