FIFA plans to create AI-enabled 3D avatars of every player competing at FIFA World Cup 2026 as part of efforts to enhance its semi-automated offside technology.
The initiative will involve digitally scanning all 1 248 players from the 48 participating teams, each of which will register a 26-man squad for the tournament.
Improve the precision
According to FIFA, each player will enter a scanning chamber during their pre-tournament photo session.
The scan will take approximately one second and will only need to be completed once.
The process is designed to capture highly accurate body-part dimensions to improve the precision of offside decisions.
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FIFA said the technology is expected to allow officials to track players more reliably during fast-paced or obstructed movements.
It added that offside decisions will be presented in a more realistic and engaging manner for viewers.
Improving accuracy and presentation
The move follows criticism of semi-automated offside technology in domestic leagues.
Earlier this season, a Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City drew controversy when a goal was allowed to stand despite graphics showing Manchester City defender Ruben Dias appearing to jump in the offside visualisation, which did not align with broadcast footage.
FIFA believes the use of accurate 3D scans of players will help improve both the accuracy of decisions and how they are visually communicated to supporters.
Testing new technologies
The scanning technology was tested during FIFA’s Intercontinental Cup, where players from Flamengo and Pyramids FC were scanned ahead of their match in December.
FIFA has also been testing additional officiating technologies.
Last month, the organisation confirmed it was trialling systems to determine whether the ball goes out of play before a goal is scored, as well as developing real-time 3D recreation technology to assist with line-of-sight offside decisions.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams, including South Africa.
Bafana Bafana will take on co-hosts Mexico in the tournament’s opening match on 11 June.
