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Nieuws
- 31 Dec 2025
FIFA to 3D scan every 2026 World Cup footballer to aid semi-automated offsides
Martin Macdonald
- 8 Jan 2026 01:50 CST
- 6 min read
Nieuws
Every player participating in the 2026 World Cup will need to undergo an AI-enabled 3D scan of their full body to aid with semi-automated offsides at the tournament.
With 26 footballers in a squad and 48 nations present, that means scans for 1,248 players.
Though that may seem like a huge task, each individual scan only takes a second or two and the plan is for players to receive their scan pre-tournament during their official photoshoots.
FIFA believe that personalising the graphics for each individual player could help with more accurate semi-automated offsides.
"AI-enabled 3D player avatars represent a significant development in semi-automated offside technology," FIFA said on their official site.
"Players participating in the upcoming global showpiece will be digitally scanned to create a precise 3D model. Each scan takes approximately one second and captures highly accurate body-part dimensions, allowing the system to track players reliably during fast or obstructed movements.
"In addition, the 3D models will be incorporated into the host broadcast, enabling offside decisions determined by the video assistant referee (VAR) system to be displayed more realistically and in a more engaging way to fans at stadiums and to viewers around the world."
FIFA previously announced that further changes could be coming to VAR ahead of the World Cup.
Presently, only 'key match incidents' such as goals, penalties and straight red cards are addressed by the officials in the video booth, yet the responsibilities of these referees could be significantly expanded.
The International FA Board’s Football and Technical Advisory Panels (IFAB), which is made up of former players, coaches and referees, and is responsible for overseeing the laws of the game, held a meeting in October to discuss rule changes and it appears now they will be implemented.
Perhaps the most important alteration that was discussed is with regard to second yellow cards. There is no VAR intervention possible for these incidents under the current laws, yet this could be amended.
VAR will also intervene if a corner-kick leads to a goal that replays show should have been given to the defending side.
FIFA embracing AI
FIFA have partnered with Lenovo to embrace new AI tech ahead of the tournament such as the aforementioned player avatars as well as 'Football AI Pro' and 'Referee View'.
These are designed to "enhance officiating technologies, as well as improve match analysis capabilities and drive fan engagement."
At the launch with Lenovo, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said:
“The FIFA World Cup in 2026 is going to be the greatest show ever on planet Earth,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the event. “Seven million people will attend the 104 matches – 104 Super Bowls – dozens of millions of fans will travel to North America to feel the FIFA World Cup vibe, six billion people will watch it from home, and the world will stand still.
“FIFA and Lenovo are fully embracing digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence, “Football AI”, to support teams and match officials, while also providing a new mind-blowing experience to fans worldwide. With Football AI Pro, we will democratise access to data by providing the most complete set of football analytics to all competing teams and soon to fans as well.
“The next generation of Referee View will show us new AI-enabled stabilised pictures to make the viewing experience unique – as if you are in the centre of the field with the players.
“And AI-enabled 3D avatars will ensure precise player identification and tracking – a big advancement in semi-automated offside technology providing great images, faster decisions and a clear understanding by everyone.
“But of course, this is just the beginning, so fans worldwide should stay tuned for more exciting developments with Football AI, and other innovations, as FIFA and Lenovo create unforgettable experiences in the months and years ahead.”
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