FIFA and Lenovo to Unleash High-Tech 'AI Avatars' for 2026 World Cup

FIFA has unveiled a transformative leap in officiating technology, announcing that every player at the 2026 World Cup will be represented by a physically accurate AI avatar to assist in offside decisions. The initiative, revealed by President Gianni Infantino at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is part of an expanded partnership with official technology partner Lenovo. The project involves digitally scanning all 1,248 players from the 48 participating nations to create hyper-realistic 3D models, ensuring that semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) is more precise than ever before.

The scanning process is designed to be remarkably efficient, taking approximately one second per player during pre-tournament photo sessions. Unlike current systems that often use generic graphical models to represent players, these new avatars will capture specific body-part dimensions. This level of detail allows the AI-driven system to track players reliably even during rapid or obstructed movements, reducing the margin for error in tight calls. By personalizing the data points, FIFA aims to eliminate discrepancies where on-screen graphics do not perfectly align with a player’s actual physique, a point of recent controversy in domestic leagues.

Beyond the officiating booth, these 3D models will be integrated into global broadcasts to provide fans with a clearer understanding of VAR decisions. Rather than abstract lines on a screen, viewers in stadiums and at home will see realistic animations of the players involved in the play. Infantino described the upcoming tournament across the US, Canada, and Mexico as the greatest show on Earth, noting that these innovations are essential to maintaining the integrity of the game while enhancing fan engagement. The technology has already undergone successful live testing during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in late 2025.

The collaboration with Lenovo also introduces "Football AI Pro," a generative AI platform that will be made available to all 48 teams to assist with match analysis and tactical planning. This move is intended to democratize access to elite data, ensuring that teams with fewer financial resources can still utilize advanced analytics. Additionally, an updated "Referee View" will feature AI-stabilized body camera footage, giving fans a smoother first-person perspective of the action on the pitch. Together, these advancements signal a shift toward a more transparent and technologically sophisticated era for international football.