FIFA World Cup 2026 to use Semi-Automated Offside Technology

biggest experiment in the world of science and technology is set to take place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup where Semi-Automated

The biggest experiment in the world of science and technology is set to take place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup where Semi-Automated Offside Technology will be used for the first time.

During this year’s World Cup matches, a special sensor-equipped football known as the Kick-Off Smart Ball will be used. The high-speed sensor embedded inside the ball will transmit data 500 times per second. This sensor will work in coordination with the ball-tracking system and stadium cameras.

The technology is expected to bring near-perfect accuracy to controversial offside and handball decisions. Offside alerts will be automatically sent to video match officials enabling faster and more precise rulings.

In another major innovation, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will also introduce 3D animated player avatar technology for the first time. Special cameras will monitor 29 different points on each player’s body 50 times per second.

Using live 3D player models, the system will automatically track offside lines. This will allow referees to receive highly accurate decisions through the semi-automated system within seconds.

According to Al Jazeera, the advanced technology could reduce the time required for decision-making during matches by as much as 50 percent. It is worth noting that smart-ball sensor technology was first introduced at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has since undergone significant upgrades.

FIFA officials say the goal of these innovations is to make football matches faster, fairer and more transparent. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by United States, Canada and Mexico.