NJIT launches World Cup 2026 fan sentiment platform

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The basics:

• NJIT develops AI platform to track fan sentiment for FIFA World Cup 2026
• Tool captures real-time reactions before, during and after matches
• Dashboard aggregates data from social media, trending hashtags
• Project supports NYNJ Host Committee as MetLife Stadium hosts 8 matches and Final

New Jersey Institute of Technology announced Sept. 9 the launch of an innovative tool in advance of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The fan sentiment and analysis platform will capture and evaluate real-time reactions from fans throughout the year leading up to next year’s tournament. NJIT says it will provide insights into how fans experience the world’s biggest sporting event. New Jersey will play a starring role in the games – hosting eight matches at MetLife Stadium, including the Final.

Students and faculty at NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management developed and manage the platform. The tool will measure and analyze fan reactions and sentiment before, during and also after World Cup events. NJIT says it will provide powerful insights into audience engagement.

“NJIT is proud to contribute to the work underway by the FIFA NYNJ Host Committee with this innovative initiative,” said Teik Lim, president of NJIT. “This project exemplifies our commitment to community engagement and innovation.”

NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry said, “We are encouraged to see educational institutions and communities across our region finding innovative ways to be part of the World Cup. NJIT’s work is a powerful example of how the tournament can inspire participation beyond the stadiums – engaging students, fostering creativity, and strengthening our collective pride.”

Key things to know:

• Dashboard aggregates data from social media and other online sources to capture fan sentiment as well as trends on a national scale, with particular focus on this region
• Tracks trending hashtags, popular topics of conversation and geographic patterns in fan activity
• Provides a comprehensive, real-time view of what fans are discussing leading up to and also throughout the tournament
• Leverages advanced analytics and AI to highlight viral moments in real time – from game-winning goals to controversial calls – as well as gauges the reaction to those moments

Staying connected

NJIT says the initiative is designed to enable the NYNJ Host Committee and regional stakeholders to stay closely connected to fan energy on the ground and online. This can assist with tailoring local programming, communication strategies and engagement opportunities to what fans care most about. The technology will provide insights into how fans experience the world’s biggest sporting event.

The tournament is expected to bring more than 1.2 million visitors to the region. Projects anticipate it to generate more than $3.3 billion in economic activity.

“By harnessing the talents of our students and faculty to enhance a global event, we are providing invaluable real-world learning opportunities and showcasing NJIT’s strengths in AI and data analytics on the world stage,” said Lim.

Lasry added, “Long after the final match, we want people to look back and say, ‘I was part of that moment,’ knowing that the legacy of 2026 opened doors and connected our region in lasting ways.”