World Cup 2026: All 1,248 Players to Be Digitally Scanned by FIFA for AI Offside Technology

FIFA is taking semi-automated offside technology to a new level at the World Cup 2026 by creating AI-enabled 3D avatars of all participating players. With the tournament set to feature 48 teams and 26-man squads, a total of 1,248 footballers will undergo digital scanning ahead of the competition across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy and realism of VAR offside decisions while enhancing the viewing experience for fans worldwide.

Each player will enter a scanning chamber during pre-tournament photo shoots, a process that takes approximately one second and only needs to be completed once. FIFA says the scans will capture highly accurate body-part dimensions, enabling referees to track players reliably during fast or obstructed movements. The 3D avatars will also allow offside decisions to be displayed in a more engaging and realistic way for both stadium spectators and television audiences.

The technology is part of FIFA’s broader push to improve officiating accuracy. Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) was introduced at the 2022 men’s World Cup and the 2023 women’s tournament, where it automated key elements of VAR decision-making for close offside calls. While SAOT tracks the position of the ball and up to 10,000 data points per player, graphical models previously used did not match the exact size and dimensions of players. By introducing personalized 3D avatars, FIFA expects to improve both the speed and precision of offside calls.

FIFA tested the technology successfully during the Intercontinental Cup in December, where Flamengo and Pyramids FC players were scanned before their match. The scans enabled officials to track player movements more accurately and allowed broadcasters to display offside decisions in a visually clear and engaging manner. This trial demonstrated that the system is capable of supporting match officials effectively, providing confidence ahead of the World Cup 2026.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the importance of AI avatars during his keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. He described the upcoming World Cup 2026 as “the greatest show ever on planet Earth” and emphasized that the AI avatars would ensure more precise offside decisions. “AI-enabled 3D avatars will ensure accurate player identification and tracking,” Infantino said. “This is a major advancement in semi-automated offside technology, providing faster decisions, better images, and clear understanding for fans everywhere.”

The scans will be carried out by FIFA’s official technology partner, Lenovo, as part of an expanded collaboration. Lenovo will also provide a new data platform, Football AI Pro, to assist all participating nations with access to advanced data analytics. This initiative aims to level the playing field between better-resourced and smaller football associations in an increasingly data-driven sport.

The introduction of AI-powered avatars also raises questions for fans about how player dimensions might influence offside calls. For example, taller players like Erling Haaland may be more accurately represented in offside decisions compared to shorter players such as Lionel Messi. FIFA has confirmed that these avatars will be incorporated into TV coverage to improve understanding of VAR decisions and enhance fan engagement.

The World Cup 2026 will feature 104 matches across three host nations, with millions of fans attending in person and billions watching worldwide. FIFA expects that the combination of AI avatars, semi-automated offside technology, and advanced broadcast integration will provide one of the most precise and immersive experiences in World Cup history.

The move reflects FIFA’s commitment to embracing technological innovation in football while maintaining fairness and transparency. By digitally scanning every player and creating lifelike avatars, the governing body aims to reduce controversy in offside decisions and provide fans and officials with an improved understanding of the game.