The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) defines an invention as “a product or process that provides a new way of doing something or offers a new technical solution to a problem that goes beyond conventional solutions.” Furthermore, the legal requirements for granting a patent include novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
Technological innovation is a key factor in one of the world’s most important sporting events: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Technological and scientific development has driven collaboration across various sectors—startups, research organizations, elite athletes, coaches, sports scientists, and experts in sports laboratories worldwide—who, to overcome the challenges of the game, create innovative products of various kinds. Among these, high-performance athletic shoes stand out: lighter, ultra-lightweight, and more efficient, they also reduce physical risks for athletes.
Furthermore, new technological tools support referees in performing their duties, as they enable greater accuracy, reliability, and precision by reducing human error.
Together, these solutions clearly surpass the state of the art and are suitable for industrial and commercial application, which facilitates the incorporation of added value such as:
- Sustainability: The production of sports apparel made from recyclable materials, using environmentally friendly production processes, protects users’ health.
- Innovative construction techniques: The turf installed in some stadiums is made from recycled products.
- Use of a new smart ball with sensors: This involves transforming a functional element of the game into a technological measurement tool that not only provides precision and enhances the playing experience but also leverages data analysis to measure athletic performance.
- Immediate offside detection: This technology reduces subjective judgment and promotes objective decisions for all parties involved. Technology providers, together with the use of artificial intelligence (AI), special cameras, and sensors that calculate positions in real time, ensure greater accuracy, control, and visibility in referees’ decisions, thereby reducing human error and streamlining refereeing decisions.
- Smart Stadiums and Sustainability: The host stadiums for the 2026 World Cup incorporate technologies that combine security, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability, including:
- Smart security systems.
- Facial recognition.
- Automated energy management.
- Environmental monitoring.
In conclusion, the various innovations to be used during the 2026 World Cup strengthen scientific and technological development in the sports industry. Furthermore, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have a significant economic impact on both direct participants and all stakeholders, establishing the event as a global platform for innovation.