FIFA plans to create AI-powered 3D avatars of every player at the 2026 World Cup to further enhance the semi-automated offside technology at the tournament, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said.
According to Idman.Biz, citing The Guardian, Infantino stated that “AI-supported 3D avatars will ensure precise identification and tracking of players,” underlining FIFA’s push to improve accuracy and speed in key refereeing decisions.
In December, FIFA announced tests of a new technology designed to determine whether the ball had crossed the line of play before a goal was scored. In addition, FIFA has expanded the use of Real-time 3D Recreation technology to make offside decisions based on the line of sight faster and more visual for officials and broadcasters.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament will kick off on June 11, with the final scheduled for July 19. For the first time in World Cup history, 48 national teams will take part in the competition.
