Cameras, sensors, and 3D body scans: All the tech helping eliminate blown calls

At the 2026 World Cup, officials will utilize advanced technology to assist in making crucial calls, including penalties and offside violations. Building upon existing systems like the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), this tournament will feature an extensive array of sensors, cameras, and sophisticated computer vision software. A significant innovation is the implementation of digital twins for every player. These digital replicas, created from 3D body scans, accurately capture each athlete's physical dimensions, such as height and limb length. These digital twins can be integrated into virtual simulations of the game, allowing officials to precisely determine a player's position relative to the ball, field boundaries, and other players. This comprehensive data integration aims to enhance the accuracy of officiating, reduce contentious decisions, and improve the overall flow of the sport.