From offside decisions to talent scouting, AI is reshaping football at the World Cup and could help Malaysia uncover and develop its next generation of stars.
ARTIFICIAL intelligence has finally made its debut at the Fifa World Cup. No, we are not talking about how football’s most famous predictor, Paul the Octopus, was unceremoniously replaced by an algorithm and is now reportedly updating his résumé somewhere in the deep sea.
While AI may be less dramatic than the latest South Korean Netflix blockbuster, Teach You a Lesson, it is already playing a significant role at this World Cup. Behind the scenes, it is helping to run matches, assist referees, improve broadcasting, strengthen security, and even enhance player performance.
The most visible example is the dreaded offside decision. AI now works alongside multiple stadium cameras, player-tracking systems, and, for the first time, sensors embedded inside the match ball itself. In Seoul, millions of oppa fans are probably still applauding long after the final whistle, especially after AI helped disallow a Czech goal and preserve South Korea’s opening victory.
Broadcasters have also embraced AI. International television networks now use it to generate instant tactical graphics, create 3D replays, automate highlight packages, provide alternative camera angles, and enhance footage for viewers around the world.
All 48 teams at this tournament have access to Fifa’s AI Pro Coach platform. The system can analyse thousands of matches, process millions of data points, and provide tactical insights, animated replays, and realistic 3D player simulations.
That said, Paraguay may wish to inquire about the money-back guarantee after the system somehow failed to warn them about the relatively unknown Folarin Balogun, who scored twice for the United States in their opening match.
Leading up to the tournament, Argentina’s national team used AI extensively for tactical preparation, training-load management, match analysis, and performance monitoring.
Brazil has gone a step further, equipping players with GPS-enabled smart vests that feed physical data into AI systems to monitor workloads, optimise performance, and reduce injury risks.
Back here in Malaysia, one of our biggest challenges has always been identifying talent. We are a uniquely multicultural country with young footballers spread across kampungs, FELDA settlements, fishing villages, Orang Asli communities, and schools throughout Sabah and Sarawak.
AI could help us scan performance data, school competitions, and grassroots programmes nationwide far more efficiently than traditional scouting methods. It could reduce the disadvantage faced by children whose families cannot afford academy fees, whose schools lack exposure, or who simply live too far away from major cities.
A child in Tawau, Baling, Kota Belud, or Kuala Lipis should have the same chance of being discovered as a child in Kuala Lumpur. And when these players eventually arrive for trials, coaches like me can finally stop losing what little hair we have left trying to explain “defending in the final third” in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Tamil, and Iban.
But technology alone is not enough. One area where Malaysia can learn from Asian football powerhouses such as Japan and South Korea is character development.
Too often, our scouting systems focus almost exclusively on technical ability. The Japanese and Koreans understand that football development is not simply about producing better footballers. It is about producing better people first.
In Japan, school football is closely linked to the culture of bukatsu, or school club activities. These are not casual after-school kickabouts.
They are structured environments that cultivate discipline, respect for seniors, punctuality, teamwork, responsibility, and humility.
At the risk of getting myself into trouble with fellow coaches, and perhaps joining Paul the Octopus in the unemployment queue, I would argue that Malaysia does not only need better players. We need better coaches, too.
An AI-powered coaching assistant could help grassroots coaches design training sessions, review performances, identify weaknesses, suggest improvements, and prepare tactical plans against upcoming opponents.
Our national team’s Chinese coach in Kelantan should have access to the same football knowledge as a coach in Manchester or Lisbon. Our Kadazan defender could study Brazilian wingers before facing them.
Our Malay midfielder could learn how to disrupt Spain’s tiki-taka. The country’s top-scoring Indian striker could already know about South Korea’s weakness in aerial duels.
And our Iban goalkeeper could have a detailed report on every English penalty taker’s favourite corner before the shootout even begins. Although history suggests the English may save him the trouble.
Now, before anyone accuses me of believing AI is some magical solution to all our football problems, let me be clear. Artificial intelligence cannot replace hard work, discipline, good coaching, supportive parents, proper facilities, or a genuine football culture.
And judging by recent events, it was not able to prevent England from allegedly losing their boots and training kits before their World Cup campaign had even properly begun.
Still, if AI can help the world’s best teams gain an edge, perhaps it can also help turn a child from Tanjung Malim into a World Cup star.
Coach Chris Arief is an Asian-level certified football coach, youth development junkie, and collector of colourful training markers and cones. He can be reached at [email protected]
