With the FIFA World Cup 2026 about to kick off, fans are gearing up for the ultimate football showdown as organisers confirming a new wave of technological advancements designed to improve the viewing, refereeing, broadcasting and player experience.
AI tools first made their debut in at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Since then, rapid advances in data capture, automation and visualisation have accelerated their role, with FIFA now deploying more sophisticated systems that place tech firmly at the centre of decision-making at the 2026 tournament.
Among the most prominent are sensor-equipped match balls, upgraded semi-automated offside technology and AI-generated player models, all aimed at improving accuracy, transparency and confidence in officiating.
Adidas Trionda becomes the official FIFA 2026 match ball
FIFA has confirmed that the Adidas Trionda will be the official match ball for the 2026 World Cup. Developed in collaboration with Adidas, the ball features an embedded inertial measurement unit (IMU) that captures detailed movement and contact data throughout the matches.
The sensor records information such as ball position, speed, trajectory and player contact 500 times per second in 3D. This data is transmitted in real-time to match officials, providing additional input for video assistant referees (VAR).
FIFA has stated that the connected ball plays a “pivotal role in semi-automated offside decisions and other critical match incidents”, helping to improve the speed, accuracy and fairness of reviews while also supporting enhanced televised visualisations.
Semi-automated offside technology upgraded for faster decision-making
The semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) in use at the 2026 tournament builds on the system first introduced at Qatar in 2022.
Under the updated approach, positional offside alters are now delivered direct to on-pitch referees, reducing the time taken to reach straightforward decisions. VAR officials remain involved, but the revised workflow is intended to streamline the process.
FIFA has also clarified that the technology applies only to positional offsides. Incidents involving in-play interference or subjective judgement will continue to be reviewed through established VAR procedures.
AI-powered player avatars integrated into offside replays
As part of its expanded use of AI, FIFA has partnered with Lenovo to create 3D digital avatars of every player competing at the 2026 World Cup.
Using rapid body-scanning technology, each player’s physical dimensions are captured in under a second. These AI-generated models are then used within SAOT replays to provide more accurate visual representations of player positioning during offside decisions.
FIFA has indicated that the avatars will also feature in live broadcasts, offering viewers clearer insights into how decisions are reached.
Referee body cameras return with enhanced video quality
First introduced at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, referee body cameras will be used at the 2026 World Cup. Lenovo has improved these body cameras to deliver stabilised, higher-quality footage from the referee’s perspective.
The first-person view is intended to improve transparency around officiating decisions and provide broadcasters with an additional angle for live coverage and post-match analysis.
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