KEY POINTS
- From 48 teams, 1,248 players to be scanned for precision technology
- A one-second body scan will capture precise player dimensions to enhance offside technology.
- The system aims to eliminate controversy by reliably tracking players during fast or obstructed play.
- The technology has already been tested in real matches, including at the 2023 Intercontinental Cup.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
ISLAMABAD: Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced plans to create highly detailed, AI-enabled 3D avatars of every player at the 2026 World Cup. The initiative aims to significantly enhance the tournament’s semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) by providing unprecedented accuracy in player tracking.
If implemented, all 1,248 players from the 48 qualified teams will undergo a rapid digital scanning process. The procedure, designed for efficiency, will be integrated into pre-tournament photo shoots.
How It Works
Each athlete will step into a specialised scanning chamber. FIFA states the process will capture a comprehensive digital model in just one second and needs to be performed only once per player. The scan’s primary function is to “capture highly accurate body-part dimensions,” creating a unique digital skeleton for each individual.
This precise biometric data will be fed into the SAOT system, which uses a network of stadium cameras to track player movements. FIFA claims the avatars will allow officials to “track players reliably during fast or obstructed movements,” addressing a common challenge in offside decisions.
A response to controversy and a push for clarity
The drive for greater precision follows recent high-profile officiating debates. A notable incident occurred in the English Premier League this season, where a Newcastle United goal against Manchester City stood despite controversy. The semi-automated offside graphic displayed defender Rúben Dias jumping, an image that did not align with broadcast footage, causing confusion and criticism.
FIFA believes its new avatar system will eliminate such discrepancies. The governing body promises that final offside decisions will be “displayed more realistically and in a more engaging way” for broadcast and in-stadium audiences, using the true-to-life 3D models rather than generic graphics.
Testing and broader tech ambitions
FIFA has already begun real-world trials. The technology was tested at the Intercontinental Cup in December 2023, where players from Brazil’s Flamengo and Egypt’s Pyramids FC were scanned ahead of their match.
This project is part of a wider suite of technological advancements FIFA is rolling out. Last month, it confirmed testing of a new system to instantly determine if the ball has gone out of play in the buildup to a goal. Additionally, FIFA has developed a ‘real-time 3D recreation’ tool to assist with line-of-sight offside decisions, where a defender’s position may obscure view.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19. If successful, the player avatar system could set a new standard for technological integration in global sport.
