Published : 16/06/2026
The FIFA World Cup is currently in full swing, and while some may have noticed the absence of the Chinese men's football team, a different "Team China" has already made its "starting line-up debut".
From "thinking" footballs and energy-efficient light rail trains to the "hawk-eyes" of the referees... this article takes you behind the scenes to uncover the Chinese technological prowess powering the World Cup.
2026 World Cup｜The "roundest smart football" in World Cup history is made in Shenzhen
The official match ball, "TRIONDA", for 2026 FIFA World Cup, is inspired by the unique characteristic of the tournament being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
In fact, every ball is born in a Shenzhen factory, with "MADE IN CHINA" printed on its body—this is not just a label of origin, but more like a declaration: "Intelligent manufacturing in China is also present at this global competition."
Featuring a brand-new four-panel construction, "TRIONDA" is made of fewer panels than any other football in World Cup history, making it the closest to a perfect sphere. It offers superior elasticity and air retention, a more stable flight trajectory, and more uniform aerodynamic drag.
To achieve these effects, the Shenzhen factory self-developed technologies such as the thermal bonding process. From automated panel lamination, precision cutting and printing, to seamless bonding and moulding, each ball undergoes multiple professional procedures, reflecting a high degree of technological integration.
Even more interestingly, TRIONDA is a smart football with a "brain" of its own.
Embedded with a state-of-the-art 500Hz motion-sensor chip, it can record and transmit data from every touch in real time, helping referees make accurate decisions on controversial moments such as offsides and handballs.
The sensor is embedded within a dedicated layer of one of the panels, while the other three panels are fitted with counterweights to ensure the football does not drift or lose balance mid-air. This core inner bladder is manufactured by an Chinese enterprise in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province.
With the core made in Jiangsu and the finished product coming from Shenzhen, behind this small football is the support of a mature and powerful Chinese industrial chain.
2026 World Cup｜115 Chinese trains to support the transport of millions of fans
The World Cup is not just about the competition on the pitch. The transport support off the pitch is also a stage for showcasing Chinese technology.
In the three Mexican host cities—Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara—the primary transport for fans will be light rail trains custom-built by a Chinese company, CRRC. A total of 115 trains are set to be deployed, with an expected daily passenger volume exceeding 1.25 million.
Tailored to withstand Mexico's high-altitude environment, humid rainy seasons, and ageing track infrastructure, CRRC has implemented bespoke technological upgrades.
The trains feature low-noise ventilation systems and full accessibility facilities throughout, alongside a regenerative braking system. This system can recover approximately 20% of its electrical energy, seamlessly balancing passenger comfort with energy efficiency.
The most crucial breakthrough is the articulated bogie independently developed by CRRC.
In simple terms, it is like fitting the train with a "universal waist joint". Faced with the numerous bends and dense junctions in Mexican cities, the train body can swing flexibly and navigate bends smoothly, with a stability that far surpasses similar overseas models.
There is also an inspiring story behind this batch of trains, one that perfectly illustrates "China Speed".
In May 2025, due to the demands of the tournament, the Mexican side urgently placed an additional order for 17 trains. Under normal procedures, the earliest delivery would be June 2026, which would not be in time for the opening of the 2026 World Cup at all.
Faced with this impossible task, the Chinese team decisively accepted the challenge, making a solemn pledge to deliver by the deadline.
In the end, they took less than a year to complete the entire process of train manufacturing, delivery, commissioning and operation.
In May 2026, the new trains officially began operation in Mexico City. Just in time for the World Cup tournament, the daily passenger volume on this line soared directly from 110,000 to 250,000.
The power behind VAR: Giving referees "eyes like a aawk"
Today, Chinese corporate sponsorship of the World Cup is moving from the touchline into the heart of the game.
Transforming into core technical service providers, these companies are participating in the digital infrastructure behind refereeing decisions, showcasing Chinese technological prowess and solutions to the world.
The IT equipment and AI computing power for all 16 stadiums at this World Cup are supplied by Chinese company Lenovo (聯想), which is also responsible for the crucial 3D digital offside visualisation system.
During VAR (video assistant referee) reviews, this system utilises AI technology to rapidly scan players and generate three-dimensional 3D models. Resembling avatars in a video game, these models reconstruct positioning and movements from a 360-degree perspective, making offside decisions far more intuitive and technically enhancing the fairness of officiating.
Similarly, the screens that VAR relies upon to make those crucial decisions are supplied by Chinese company Hisense (海信).
Even without the Chinese men's football team, this FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States sees a Chinese presence at every turn. Armed with robust capabilities, high standards, and rapid execution, "Smart Manufacturing in China" has pitched in to score a truly spectacular "worldie".
Read more: Today in History｜4 June 2002: Chinese national football team's debut at FIFA World Cup final stage