Artificial intelligence changes offside decisions at the 2026 World Cup

FIFA and Lenovo announced a package of AI-powered technological innovations in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 during the Lenovo Tech World 2026 event held in Las Vegas on the sidelines of CES.

World Cup 2026 to use AI for refereeing decisions

The innovations included the launch of Football AI Pro, a generative AI-powered knowledge assistant designed to support all 48 teams participating in the tournament with advanced and equal analytical capabilities before and after matches, by analysing hundreds of millions of FIFA-owned football data points and providing multiple outputs including text, videos, graphics and 3D footage in several languages.

The two parties also unveiled AI-powered 3D player avatars, which are used to develop semi-automated offside technology by digitally scanning players in approximately one second, enabling high-precision tracking of their movements and improving the speed and accuracy of offside decisions. These models will be integrated into television broadcasts to explain VAR decisions more clearly to fans.

FIFA and Lenovo also announced an upgraded version of the referee camera broadcast system, based on AI-powered stabilisation technologies, enabling live, higher-quality footage and reduced motion blur, with the aim of enhancing transparency and viewer engagement.

Both parties confirmed that these innovations are part of FIFA’s digital transformation strategy for 2023–2027. and with the official partnership with Lenovo as the technology partner for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, where Lenovo will provide the infrastructure, devices and AI-powered smart solutions for both events.

These technologies aim to improve refereeing, develop performance analysis, and deliver a more interactive and immersive experience for fans in the largest edition of the World Cup in history, with 48 teams participating and 104 matches being played.

Featured image via the Canary