In a major technological leap for football, FIFA has announced that every player at the 2026 World Cup will be represented by a personalised AI avatar to assist video assistant referees (VAR) in making offside decisions.
How the AI Avatar System Will Work
The innovation was unveiled by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. He described the upcoming tournament, spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as "the greatest show ever on planet Earth".
The new system involves digitally scanning each of the tournament's players in a process that takes approximately one second per athlete. These scans capture highly accurate body-part dimensions to create a unique 3D model for every individual.
These AI-enabled 3D avatars will then be integrated into the existing semi-automated offside technology (SAOT). The avatars will allow the system to track players more reliably during fast or obstructed movements, promising greater precision and faster decisions.
Personalising the Offside Line
This move marks a significant evolution from current SAOT used in leagues like the Premier League. While existing technology tracks thousands of data points on player location, the graphical models do not account for a player's actual physical size.
The introduction of player-specific avatars changes this fundamentally. It personalises offside calls as never before, meaning a player's height and limb dimensions will be factored into the decision. This raises intriguing questions, such as whether the 6ft 5in frame of Erling Haaland could make him more susceptible to being caught offside compared to the 5ft 7in Lionel Messi.
"AI-enabled 3D avatars will ensure precise player identification and tracking," stated Infantino, calling it a big advancement that provides "great images, faster decisions and a clear understanding by everyone."
Broader Tech Partnership and Fan Engagement
The avatar system is part of an expanded partnership between FIFA and its official technology partner, the Chinese firm Lenovo. The collaboration also includes a new data platform called Football AI Pro, which will be offered to all participating nations to help level the playing field in the data-driven sport.
Furthermore, FIFA intends to incorporate the player avatars into television broadcasts and stadium displays. This aims to present offside rulings more realistically and in a more engaging way to the billions of global viewers and attending fans.
With 104 matches scheduled and an expected global audience of six billion, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a showcase for how artificial intelligence and advanced tracking can redefine accuracy and fairness in football.
