FIFA introduces advanced offside tech for 2026 World Cup VAR decisions

FIFA will use new semi-automated offside technology at the 2026 World Cup to speed up decisions and reduce delayed flags.

New offside tech unveiled The long waits for offside flags may soon end as FIFA prepares to implement a cutting-edge semi-automated offside system for video assistant referees (VAR) at the 2026 World Cup. This technology aims to accelerate decision-making while allowing assistants to raise the flag immediately instead of waiting for play to conclude. A real-time audio alert will notify officials if any player is positioned more than 10cm offside, a significant upgrade from earlier trials. ## Improvements over past versions Previous tests of this technology at the Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup only triggered alerts when a player exceeded 50cm offside, a far less precise standard. Despite this advancement, the final call on raising the flag remains with the assistant referee. Officials retain the discretion to delay or hold the flag if they suspect potential glitches, though FIFA assures that multiple safeguards are in place to minimize errors. The system still cannot detect the closest offside instances and faces challenges when players are lying on the ground or clustered too closely together. ## Limitations and subjective calls The new technology focuses exclusively on positional offside decisions and does not address subjective judgments, such as whether a player interfered with an opponent without touching the ball. These nuanced calls will continue to rely on human interpretation. FIFA anticipates that the innovation will ease frustration among fans and players while reducing unnecessary play interruptions that could lead to injuries. A recent incident highlights these risks, as Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma in May 2025 after colliding with a goalpost during a delayed offside flag. ## 3D player avatars for precision To enhance accuracy, FIFA plans to generate lifelike AI-based 3D models of every player to assist in offside evaluations. This requires digitally scanning all 1,248 participants from the 48 teams, each of whom will undergo a one-second scan during their pre-tournament photo session. The streamlined scanning process ensures no additional time is lost. The result will be sharper and clearer offside animations displayed at the World Cup. ## Out of bounds and line of sight tech FIFA has also approved additional technology to determine if the ball crossed the line before a goal was scored. A case in February saw Aston Villa’s goal against Brentford disallowed after uncertainty over whether the ball had fully exited play. Similar to goal-line technology, a 3D animation will illustrate the ball’s exact position, while a chip inside the ball will track the last player to touch it. This will help VARs verify if a corner was correctly awarded. The system will also feature 'Real-time 3D Recreation' to clarify 'line-of-sight' offside scenarios, offering two virtual feeds replicating the goalkeeper’s perspective for officials and viewers. ## Handling line-of-sight controversies Several offside incidents this season sparked debates over whether the goalkeeper’s view was obstructed. The new 'line-of-sight' tool aims to resolve such disputes by providing VARs with an additional perspective. This feature is designed to deliver faster and more transparent decisions in cases where visibility may have influenced an offside call.