Ask Onix
FIFA introduces advanced offside technology for 2026 tournament
FIFA will deploy semi-automated offside detection at the 2026 World Cup, aiming to speed up decisions and reduce controversial delays. The system, tested in previous competitions, now includes real-time audio alerts for assistant referees when a player is offside by more than 10 centimeters.
How the new system works
The technology sends an instant alert to officials if a player is positioned offside, allowing them to raise the flag immediately rather than waiting for the play to conclude. Previous versions only flagged offsides exceeding 50 centimeters, but the updated system tightens the threshold to 10 centimeters.
While the final decision remains with the assistant referee, FIFA has incorporated failsafe measures to minimize errors. However, limitations persist-such as detecting the closest offside player or handling crowded situations where multiple players are on the ground.
AI-powered 3D avatars for precision
FIFA will create life-like, AI-generated 3D avatars of all 1,248 players competing in the tournament. Each player will undergo a one-second digital scan during pre-tournament photo sessions, enabling clearer offside animations for officials and broadcasters.
The technology will also verify whether the ball went out of play before a goal, addressing controversies like Aston Villa's disallowed goal against Brentford in February 2025. A chip in the ball will track the last player to touch it, helping VAR confirm corner decisions.
Enhanced tools for line-of-sight judgments
FIFA has expanded its 'Real-time 3D Recreation' system to include virtual feeds replicating both goalkeepers' perspectives. This tool aims to resolve disputes over whether an offside player obstructed the goalkeeper's view, a recurring issue in recent seasons.
Safety and fan experience
FIFA hopes the faster decisions will reduce player injuries caused by prolonged play after offside incidents. The change follows a May 2025 incident where Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma after colliding with a post while waiting for an offside flag.
The technology will not address subjective offside calls, such as whether a player interfered with an opponent without touching the ball, which will still require human judgment.
Additional VAR upgrades
Beyond offside detection, FIFA has approved new VAR powers to confirm whether a corner was correctly awarded. The system will use ball-tracking data to determine the last player to touch the ball before it went out of play.
