In a groundbreaking move for football technology, FIFA has announced plans to digitally scan every single player at the 2026 World Cup to create precise, AI-enabled 3D avatars. This initiative marks a significant evolution of the semi-automated offside technology first introduced at the Qatar 2022 tournament.
The Scanning Process: One Second Per Player
With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, each naming a 26-man squad, a total of 1,248 footballers will undergo the digital scanning process ahead of the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The scan itself is remarkably swift; each player will step into a specialised scanning chamber for a process that takes approximately just one second.
This procedure will be conducted during the pre-tournament photo shoot and only needs to be completed once per player. FIFA's technology partner, Lenovo, will be responsible for carrying out all the scans, which the governing body has hailed as a major step forward for officiating technology.
Enhancing Accuracy and Fan Engagement
The primary goal of creating these detailed 3D models is to drastically improve the reliability of player tracking during matches. According to FIFA, the avatars will help match officials 'track players reliably during fast or obstructed movements'. This data is integral to the semi-automated offside system, which automates key parts of the VAR decision-making process for tight calls.
Furthermore, these AI-powered avatars will be incorporated into host broadcast coverage. This will allow offside decisions determined by the video assistant referee (VAR) system to be displayed in a more 'realistic and engaging' way for fans both in stadiums and watching globally, offering clearer visualisations of pivotal moments.
Successful Trials and Future Implementation
FIFA has already tested this advanced scanning technology, with a successful trial conducted at last month's Intercontinental Cup. For that test, all players from clubs Flamengo and Pyramids FC were scanned before the match. FIFA declared the trial a success, stating it demonstrated 'a capability and readiness to support the match officials at the World Cup'.
The semi-automated offside system, which improves the speed and accuracy of offside calls, was used at the men's 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the women's 2023 tournament in Australia. The addition of personalised 3D player avatars for the 2026 edition, overseen by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, is set to take this technological aid to the next level, promising a new era of precision and transparency in football officiating.
