FIFA to Utilize AI-Enabled 3D Avatars for Enhanced Offside Technology at 2026 World Cup
FIFA is set to develop AI-enabled 3D avatars for every player participating in the 2026 World Cup to improve the tournament's semi-automated offside technology.
This initiative involves creating a digital scan of all 1,248 players across the 26-man squads from the 48 competing teams.
Each player will undergo a scanning process that lasts just one second, which will be conducted once during their pre-tournament photo shoot.
FIFA states that the scan will capture highly accurate body-part dimensions, enabling more precise offside decisions.
The organization anticipates that this technology will allow tournament officials to track players effectively during rapid or obstructed movements, with final decisions presented in a more realistic and engaging manner.
This announcement follows a controversial incident in the Premier League earlier this season, where a goal by Newcastle against Manchester City was allowed to stand despite Ruben Dias appearing to interfere with the semi-automated offside graphic. This situation raised concerns as it did not align with the television footage of the match.
FIFA aims to enhance the clarity of such decisions for fans by utilizing accurate scans of each player.
The technology was previously tested during FIFA's Intercontinental Cup, where players from Flamengo and Pyramids FC were scanned ahead of their match in December.
Additionally, FIFA announced last month that it is testing new technology capable of determining if the ball goes out of play before a goal is scored, as well as developing 'real-time 3D recreation' to assist in making line-of-sight offside decisions.