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FIFA announces groundbreaking offside technology for the 2026 World Cup, potentially eliminating the delayed offside flag. This new semi-automated offside system enhances VAR decisions, allowing assistant referees to raise flags immediately when a player is over 10cm offside, compared to the previous 50cm threshold.
The technology aims to speed up the game and reduce injuries caused by unnecessary play when an offside is imminent. A tragic incident in May 2025 saw Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi suffer a severe injury due to a delayed flag. While officials maintain the authority on flag raises, FIFA assures robust failsafe measures to minimize errors.
Additionally, FIFA will create lifelike, AI-enabled 3D avatars of all players, enhancing the accuracy of offside decisions and improving visual clarity for fans. Each of the 1,248 players will undergo a quick digital scan during their pre-tournament photo sessions, ensuring precise representations on the field.
FIFA also introduces technology to verify if the ball went out of play before a goal, employing a chip in the ball to confirm the last touch. This new system promises to clear up contentious calls, like those seen in recent disallowed goals, ensuring a fairer and more transparent game.
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