FIFA World Cup 2026: Fans asked ChatGPT 17 mn questions in a week, India among top 10 countries

As the excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Indian fans are diving into the action, turning to ChatGPT for insights and information. With the conclusion of the IPL season, the focus has shifted to this global sporting event, and India is now among the top countries utilizing the AI platform for everything from match predictions to team analyses. In an impressive showcase of engagement, OpenAI reported that fans worldwide have posed a staggering 17 million FIFA World Cup-related questions to ChatGPT in just one week. Notably, India ranks sixth globally in the volume of these queries, highlighting the nation's enthusiasm for football. This surge in interest coincides with a notable partnership between OpenAI and football superstar Lionel Messi. In a recent Instagram update, Messi showcased an AI-generated image of himself, featuring blue-and-white hair inspired by Argentina's national colors. "I've always loved seeing how people experience football differently in each country. I turned to ChatGPT to imagine myself cheering in a new way, and I started with Argentina's colours, of course," Messi remarked. He anticipates that many fans will uncover innovative ways to engage with the matches this season, thanks to AI. OpenAI has noted that ChatGPT has become an essential digital assistant for Indian fans during the World Cup. The platform is primarily used for inquiries about teams, players, qualification scenarios, and predictions. Fans are also seeking information on match timings, tournament formats, historical records, and results. Data reveals that users in major metro areas, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kerala, and West Bengal, are leveraging ChatGPT in various ways: predicting line-up decisions, analyzing tournament structures, generating social media content, planning viewing parties, and even searching for World Cup merchandise. With many matches scheduled for late nights in India, fans are turning to ChatGPT for assistance in managing their sleep schedules. OpenAI shared examples of queries such as, "Make a sleep schedule so I can catch the late games but show up fresh...ish for my 9 AM office login," and "Create a printable factsheet comparing the teams, their previous performances, likely strategies for the World Cup, and star players." Others are asking for plans to counteract late-night snacking with training regimens following the tournament. As the World Cup approaches, it's clear that AI is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the fan experience, making it easier for supporters to stay informed and engaged.