Hate VAR? Wait until you see how FIFA plans to use AI at the World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and with the upcoming draw for the world's biggest sporting event on the horizon, soccer's governing body, FIFA, is ruffling some feathers.

The controversial World Cup, hosted in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, in a tumultuous political landscape has already been criticized for pricing out fans with dynamic pricing, official resale platforms with no cap on ticketing prices, and a focus on purchasing special passes to get early access to seats.

Now, however, the 46-team competition could upset even the fans watching from home, as FIFA has announced the inclusion of VAR for corner kicks, an unprecedented move to make fair decisions across the pitch.