FIFA unveils new offside tech for 2026 World Cup
FIFA has unveiled plans to curb the delayed offside flag at the 2026 World Cup by introducing 3D technology, artificial intelligence, and an enhanced semi-automated offside system.
The World football governing body announced several innovations designed to increase accuracy and reduce errors during matches.
The semi-automated offside for video assistant referees (VAR) is expected to make decisions faster and mean an assistant can raise the flag rather than wait for a move to play out.
A real-time audio alert will be sent to the assistant if a player is more than 10cm offside.
The linesman will remain in charge of raising the flag and to stop play.
FIFA also confirmed that Football AI Pro, an artificial intelligence platform will be available to all 48 participating nations.
The tool will generate tactical analysis, advanced statistics, and detailed match reports.
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FIFA will also enhance footage captured by referees’ body cameras, delivering clearer images and providing fans with a unique perspective on the difficult decisions officials must make during matches.
There will also be a creation of a real-time digital replica of every game.
This system will allow each play to be reconstructed in three dimensions while the match is being played, providing officials with additional tools to evaluate key decisions.
FIFA will rely on 16 cameras installed throughout each stadium to collect player-tracking data.
These cameras will capture dozens of tracking points from every player multiple times per second, while a chip embedded inside the ball will continuously monitor its movement.
A virtual version of the match will be generated in real time. Players will be represented by digital avatars created from scans completed before the start of the tournament.
The new technology will also provide additional clarity in positional offside situations. Through 3D recreations, officials will be able to determine whether a player interfered with a play or obstructed the goalkeeper’s line of sight.
Fifa has also approved the use of technology which can determine if the ball went out of play before a goal was scored.
A 3D animation will be created, just like with goalline technology, which can show the exact ball position.
The chip in the ball will indicate which player touched the ball last, which should enable the VAR to check if a corner was the correct decision as part of new powers.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
It will be jointly hosted by sixteen cities—eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
The tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations, and the first to include 48 teams, an expansion from 32 previously.
