Beyond human referees: The future of artificial intelligence in the FIFA World Cup 2026 between legitimacy and fan psychology
Keywords:
Human Referees, AI, Football, Legitimacy, Fan Psychology, FIFA world cup 2026Abstract
This study examines the growing role of artificial intelligence in football refereeing and its psychological impact on fans as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. It also focuses on how emerging technologies—such as semi-automated offside detection, enhanced video assistant referee (VAR) systems, and real-time AI decision analysis—are reshaping decision-making processes and their psychological impact on fans. The study provides an analytical review of current developments and examines their implications for the legitimacy, integrity, and psychological enjoyment of refereeing. By analyzing existing research and case studies, the study explores the potential benefits and challenges of AI-assisted refereeing, including its impact on match integrity, player psychological behavior, and fan engagement. It also assesses whether AI can fully replace human referees or whether a hybrid approach is necessary to maintain a balance between technological precision and the emotional essence of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This prospective research examines the ethical, regulatory, and psychological dimensions of integrating AI, offering insights into how these technologies could shape the future of football refereeing while preserving the authenticity and excitement of the sport.
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