With the FIFA World Cup 26 fast approaching, the brand is kicking off a new era of match-day magic. One where fans get front-row access to the future of football. And, at the recent FIFA Club World Cup 2025, a lucky few supporters in Miami and New York New Jersey were handed the ultimate assist: personalised Lenovo devices mounted right in front of their seats. No need to crane your neck at the big screen or wait for the replay — fans could pull up live match data, watch key moments again, and explore exclusive venue info all from the comfort of their seat. It’s the kind of setup that had even football icons like David Beckham and Ronaldo cheering from the sidelines.
Lenovo’s partnership with FIFA is a true team effort. The goal? To redefine what it means to watch the world’s biggest game. “This is a story of collaboration. Not just of technology,” said Daryl Cromer, Lenovo’s VP and Chief Technology Officer of its Global Innovation Centre. And the result is a game-changer.
With up to 200 VVIPs at each match, FIFA’s challenge was how to create a digital experience as dynamic as the match itself. Lenovo Research rose to the occasion. And, designed a clever rotating mount mechanism to hold Motorola edge smartphones — adaptable, extendable and built to fit 16 different stadiums. Think of it as tactical flexibility, but for tech. Whether in Miami’s balmy humidity or New Jersey’s brisk air, these devices stayed match-fit.
At the FIFA World Cup Fan Experience, each screen doubled as a digital name tag that could be updated in real time — making finding your seat as easy as finding the back of the net. And behind the scenes, Lenovo built a custom charge box to keep everything powered up and pitch-ready. Guest services staff could simply lock, charge and ship, ensuring a seamless transition between venues. It’s the kind of smart play that keeps the match-day operation running smoothly from whistle to whistle.
But the real hat trick came when Lenovo’s Solutions & Services Group took things a step further, loading Lenovo Tab K11 tablets with custom software that transformed fans into analysts. Imagine watching Chelsea take on Fluminense and being able to rewind the action mid-match — zooming in on a possible penalty while the referee checks VAR. Fans could relive those nail-biting moments from multiple angles, analyse player stats in real time, and even debate calls like pros.
The reaction? Pure jubilation. “The initial technology innovations implemented at this year’s successful FIFA Club World Cup provide an insight into the opportunities that exist between FIFA and Lenovo for the years and top tournaments ahead,” said FIFA’s Head of Products & Business Engagement, Tito Suárez Díaz. Translation: this partnership is just getting started.
Next year, Lenovo is set to roll out thousands of these devices across all FIFA World Cup 26 venues – the biggest tournament yet. From personalised seating to interactive tablets, fans will have everything they need to stay in the game, literally. Lenovo’s team will be on the ground at every stadium to ensure everything runs like clockwork.
For Lenovo, this isn’t just about showing off cutting-edge tech — it’s about levelling the playing field for fans everywhere. With a tap, a swipe, or a replay, supporters can now experience the thrill of the game like never before.
So, as the countdown to kick-off continues, one thing’s certain: football fandom just got a major upgrade. Thanks to Lenovo and FIFA, the future of the beautiful game isn’t just on the pitch — it’s in your hands.
