FIFA will create AI-enabled 3D avatars of every player at the 2026 World Cup to improve semi-automated offside technology. All 1,248 players from the 48 participating teams’ 26-man squads will undergo digital scans.
Each player will enter a chamber for a one-second scan, performed once during their pre-tournament photo shoot. FIFA says the scan “captures highly accurate body-part dimensions” to make more precise offside decisions.
The organization expects this technology will allow officials to “track players reliably during fast or obstructed movements” and that final decisions will be “displayed more realistically and in a more engaging way.”
Earlier this season, the Premier League faced controversy when a Newcastle goal against Manchester City was allowed to stand. Ruben Dias appeared to be jumping in the semi-automated offside graphic, which did not match television footage. FIFA hopes accurate player scans will prevent such discrepancies and improve how offside decisions are shown to supporters.
The technology was tested during FIFA’s Intercontinental Cup, with Flamengo and Pyramids FC players scanned ahead of their December match. FIFA also announced last month that it is testing new systems capable of determining if the ball goes out of play before a goal and developing “real-time 3D recreation” to aid line-of-sight offside decisions.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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