FIFA has introduced an advanced semi-automated system for Video Assistant Referees (VARs) to enhance offside decision-making ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The new technology provides assistant referees with real-time audio alerts when a player is more than 10 centimetres offside, a significant improvement from the previous 50-centimetre threshold used during trials at the Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup.
How the New System Works
Under the updated setup, assistant referees receive an audio alert in their earpiece the moment a player is detected offside by more than 10 centimetres. However, the linesman retains the authority to decide when to raise the flag and stop play. They may choose to keep the flag down if they suspect an error in the system. The technology still cannot detect the closest offside calls and has limitations in crowded situations. VARs will continue to handle marginal calls, crowded scenarios, and subjective offside decisions.
Benefits for Positional Offside
FIFA's Director of Innovation, Johannes Holzmueller, explained during the Club World Cup trial: "For positional offside, the information was via an audio alert directly sent to the assistant referee - and they could raise the flag. So we had not really any longer delay for positional offside." This advancement aims to reduce the frustration felt by supporters and players, as well as minimize the risk of injuries resulting from needless passages of play when an offside occurs.
A notable incident that highlighted the need for such technology occurred in May 2025, when Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma after colliding with the goalpost during a Premier League match against Leicester City. The assistant referee had delayed raising the offside flag as per VAR protocol, leading to the horrifying collision. FIFA aims to prevent such incidents on the biggest stage.
AI-Powered 3D Avatars for All Players
FIFA has confirmed it will create AI-powered, life-like 3D avatars of every player at the tournament—all 1,248 athletes across the 48 competing nations' 26-man squads. Each player will step into a scanning chamber during their pre-tournament photo shoot for a one-second full-body scan that captures precise body dimensions. This will provide enhanced and clearer offside animations during the World Cup.
New Out of Bounds and Line of Sight Technology
FIFA has also approved technology to determine whether the ball crossed a touchline or byline before a goal was scored. This was a needed call after Aston Villa had a goal disallowed in a Premier League fixture against Brentford in February 2025, where it was unclear if the ball had gone out of play. Similarly, Japan's goal against Germany in the group stage of the last World Cup also involved an unclear call. Additionally, FIFA has expanded 'Real-time 3D Recreation' to make 'line-of-sight' judgements for offsides faster and clearer, assisting on-field referees.
Two virtual feeds will be available to VARs and TV viewers, replicating the perspectives of both goalkeepers. This technological improvement will be visible to fans during this year's World Cup edition.
