Semi-automated offside technology introduced at 2026 World Cup
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 5:30 PM
Last updated Jun 8, 2026
The 2026 World Cup will debut semi-automated offside technology, employing a dozen cameras to monitor player movements at 50 frames per second. Micheal Barwegan, a member of the all-Canadian officiating crew, noted that while the system aids officials, it does not fully take over the role of assistant referees. The technology tracks players to determine offside positions and communicates findings through an automated voice message to assist referees in making swift decisions during matches. Barwegan has significant experience using this technology from prior tournaments, including the Club World Cup.
- •Semi-automated offside technology to debut at the 2026 World Cup.
- •Micheal Barwegan is part of the first all-Canadian officiating team.
- •Technology uses 12 cameras to track player movements.
- •Automated system provides real-time feedback to assistant referees.
- •Barwegan previously used it during the Club World Cup.
- 5:30 PMYahoo Sports — Semi-automated offside is coming for the World Cup. Here’s how one referee uses it
- 5:30 PMThe Guardian Sport — Semi-automated offside is coming for the World Cup. Here’s how one referee uses it
"Micheal Barwagen is part of an all-Canadian crew at this World Cup, and says the new offside system makes his job easier in some ways The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to feature semi-automated offside technology, utilizing a dozen cameras to track player movement at a rate of 50 stills per second. In theory, it sounds like an effective, if dizzying, way to cut down on delays and better aid the officials. One of those officials is Micheal Barwegan, who is part of the first all-Canadian officiating team in men’s World Cup history. He has worked with referee Drew Fischer and fellow assistant referee Lyes Arfa increasingly often over the past two years. The team worked in-tandem at the 2024 Olympics and last summer’s Club World Cup along with their more regular work in club soccer. Continue reading...
"Micheal Barwagen is part of an all-Canadian crew at this World Cup, and says the new offside system makes his job easier in some ways
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 5:30 PMSemi-automated offside is coming for the World Cup. Here’s how one referee uses it
Micheal Barwagen is part of an all-Canadian crew at this World Cup, and says the new offside system makes his job easier in some ways
- The Guardian SportJun 8, 2026, 5:30 PMSemi-automated offside is coming for the World Cup. Here’s how one referee uses it
Micheal Barwagen is part of an all-Canadian crew at this World Cup, and says the new offside system makes his job easier in some ways The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to feature semi-automated offside technology, utilizing a dozen cameras to track player movement at a rate of 50 stills per second. In theory, it sounds like an effective, if dizzying, way to cut down on delays and better aid the officials. One of those officials is Micheal Barwegan, who is part of the first all-Canadian officiating team in men’s World Cup history. He has worked with referee Drew Fischer and fellow assistant referee Lyes Arfa increasingly often over the past two years. The team worked in-tandem at the 2024 Olympics and last summer’s Club World Cup along with their more regular work in club soccer. Continue reading...
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