FMF, Liga MX, and AWS Partner to Boost AI Use in Mexican Soccer

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF), in collaboration with Liga MX and Amazon Web Services (AWS), announced a strategic alliance to incorporate AI in Mexican soccer. This agreement seeks to improve the fan experience, optimize sports performance, and strengthen security in stadiums, all in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

"It is a great opportunity where the Mexican Football Federation will venture, through this alliance, in the best use of AI," says Rubén Mugártegui, General Director, AWS Mexico. This project is inspired by successful experiences such as the German Bundesliga, where 3.6 million pieces of data are analyzed per match to offer an immersive experience.

Mexican soccer faces challenges in terms of international competitiveness and fan experience. As reported by El Economista, up to Day 11 of the Apertura 2024 tournament, Liga MX had received 1.94 million fans, representing a drop of 12.79% compared to the Clausura 2024, when 2.22 million attended.

"We accept that there is a significant drop in tickets, income, and ticket sales in Mexican soccer," says Antonio Rosique, Journalist and Sports Narrator, TV Azteca.

AI as Possible Solution

The alliance with AWS comes a year prior to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. In preparation, the FMF and Liga MX are looking to modernize their operations through the use of advanced technologies.

The incorporation of AI is expected to enable FMF and Liga MX clubs to access tools to optimize player performance, manage contracts, and improve stadium security. In addition, this technology is expected to increase fan interaction by 17%, according to data provided by AWS.

The alliance between the FMF, Liga MX, and AWS will focus on sports performance, fan experience, and stadium security. In the sports arena, AI will enable the analysis of millions of data in real time, including factors such as weather, field conditions, and player performance. This will facilitate the creation of more effective game strategies and the identification of areas of improvement for teams.

In terms of the fan experience, the Fan ID system will be improved, which will enable real-time riot identification and ensure greater security in stadiums. In addition, Amazon Music will launch a podcast and exclusive playlists related to Mexican soccer, which aims to build an emotional connection with fans.

Security will also be a key pillar. AI will be used to monitor stadium conditions, from turf quality to crowd attendance, allowing for more efficient management of resources and rapid response to incidents. Mugártegui says that this technology has already proven effective in other leagues, increasing fan interaction and satisfaction.

Ivar Sisniega, Executive President, FMF, says that this alliance will play a role in raising the level of the Mexican National Team. "If we can ensure that the Mexican National Team's players have the same capacity and quality of delivery that Amazon has, it will be a total success," says Sisniega. He adds that this partnership will allow fans to access official products more easily, thanks to Amazon's e-commerce platform.