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Fifa introduces new offside technology for 2026 World Cup

4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 8:00 AM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

Fifa introduces new offside technology for 2026 World Cup

Summary

Fifa announced a new semi-automated offside technology for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The system will alert assistant referees in real-time if a player is more than 10cm offside, a change from previous versions that relied on a 50cm threshold. This aims to expedite decisions and reduce injuries caused by delayed flags, as seen in an incident involving Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi. Additionally, 3D avatars of players will be created for more accurate decision-making. Fifa plans to implement further technology to clarify offside and out-of-bounds situations.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports BBC Sport

Status Watch

•New VAR system will signal offsides under 10cm.
•Players will be digitally scanned for 3D avatars.
•Technology aims to decrease offside-related injuries.
•Assistant referees retain control over flagging offsides.
•Enhanced visuals will aid VAR in making clearer decisions.

Latest Updates

8:00 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA unveil new VAR technology for offsides that will be used by assistants at World Cup 2026
6:42 PMYahoo Sports — No more delayed flag? Fifa adds new offside tech for World Cup
6:42 PMBBC Sport — No more delayed flag? Fifa adds new offside tech for World Cup

What they're saying

"
FIFA is introducing a quicker offside system for the 2026 World Cup, but it is not removing the assistant referee’s role entirely. Delayed flags have become one of the biggest frustrations in the modern game.
— Yahoo Sports