FIFA’s AI gamble at the World Cup
A response to football’s most debated calls
FIFA plans to expand its use of artificial intelligence at next summer’s World Cup, targeting one of the most disputed areas of modern football, offside decisions.
According to The Athletic, the governing body believes improved AI support can help officials make faster and more accurate judgments in moments where tight margins and limited visibility often fuel controversy. The technology is intended to enhance existing systems rather than replace referees, keeping human decision making at the centre of the process.
How the upgraded offside system works
According to The Athletic, FIFA will introduce a range of new AI driven features at the tournament, with semi automated offside calls at the heart of the upgrade.
The system is designed to better track player movement in real time, particularly during rapid sprints or situations where players are partially hidden from camera view. FIFA officials see the update as a refinement of current tools, aimed at reducing uncertainty in split second decisions without fully automating the outcome.
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Digital replicas of every player
The Athletic reported that FIFA’s technology partner Lenovo will develop an AI enabled 3D avatar for every player competing at the World Cup.
These digital models are designed to allow the offside system to follow each player more precisely, even during fast or obscured movements. By modelling individual bodies rather than relying solely on camera angles, the technology aims to limit errors caused by crowded penalty areas or tightly timed attacking runs.
Why FIFA is leaning further into automation
FIFA has steadily increased its reliance on data analysis and automation in recent tournaments, arguing that technology can support referees without removing their authority.
According to The Athletic, officials view the latest AI upgrade as part of a broader effort to modernise officiating while maintaining trust in match officials. With offside decisions often determining outcomes on football’s biggest stage, FIFA believes greater technical precision could reduce disputes that overshadow the game itself.
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Sources: The Athletic
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