FIFA has announced plans to create AI-enabled 3D avatars of every player participating in the 2026 World Cup to enhance the accuracy of its semi-automated offside technology. This groundbreaking initiative aims to make offside decisions faster, more precise, and more transparent for fans and officials alike.

How the Technology Will Work

The project involves digitally scanning all 1,248 players across the 48 teams, each with 26-man squads. Each player will step into a scanning chamber for a one-second digital scan, capturing highly accurate body-part dimensions. FIFA emphasizes that the process only needs to be done once during the pre-tournament photo shoot, making it efficient while ensuring precision.

Once complete, these 3D digital avatars will be integrated into FIFA’s semi-automated offside system. The technology will allow match officials to track players reliably, even during fast movements or obstructed views, ensuring that offside calls are both accurate and visually clear for spectators.

“The scan captures highly accurate body-part dimensions, which will make offside decisions more reliable and realistic,” FIFA said in a statement. “It also allows decisions to be displayed in a more engaging way for fans watching at home or in stadiums.”

Addressing Past Controversies

FIFA’s initiative comes after several high-profile controversies in domestic and international football. Earlier this season in the Premier League, a Newcastle goal against Manchester City raised eyebrows when the semi-automated offside graphic appeared to misrepresent Ruben Dias’s jump, conflicting with television replays.

By creating accurate digital replicas of each player, FIFA aims to eliminate discrepancies between offside graphics and live footage, ensuring fans receive a more faithful visual representation of decisions.

Previous Testing and Innovations

The technology has already undergone testing during FIFA’s Intercontinental Cup in December, where Flamengo and Pyramids FC players were scanned ahead of their match. FIFA also recently introduced real-time 3D recreation, designed to improve line-of-sight offside calls, as well as systems to detect if the ball has left the field of play before a goal is scored.

These advances highlight FIFA’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence and digital innovations into football officiating, promising to enhance both accuracy and fan experience at the 2026 World Cup.

What This Means for the 2026 World Cup

The upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, marks the first time such an extensive AI and digital scanning system will be used at a major tournament. Fans can expect:

• Faster, more accurate offside decisions
• Improved visual graphics for television broadcasts
• Enhanced transparency in officiating
• Greater consistency in complex situations, including fast player movements or obstructed views

FIFA’s investment in AI technology ensures that the 2026 World Cup could set a new standard for officiating worldwide, making football more precise and engaging for viewers around the globe.