FIFA has announced a major tech upgrade for the 2026 World Cup: creating digital 3D versions, or “avatars,” of every single player. This new system is designed to make offside decisions much more accurate.
ALSO READ: Lookman Dismisses On Field Altercation With Osimhen Following Nigeria Victory
To make this happen, all 1,248 players from the 48 competing teams will step into a special scanning room for just one second during their official photo shoots.
These scans will capture the exact body measurements of each player, allowing the computer system to track them perfectly, even when they are moving fast or blocked by other players on the field.
The technology has already been tested during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December with players from the teams Flamengo and Pyramids FC.
Beyond offside calls, FIFA is also introducing new tools to show exactly where the ball is at all times, helping referees see if a ball crossed the goal line or went out of bounds.
Fans will also benefit, as these 3D models will be used in TV broadcasts to show offside decisions in a way that is much easier to see and understand than current graphics.
CULLED FROM PUNCH
