At the 2026 Football World Cup, FIFA will use new technology to make the game fairer. Every player at the tournament will have a 3D digital avatar made to help referees make better decisions, especially for offside calls. Over 1,200 players from 48 countries will be scanned before the matches begin.
Each scan takes just one second and captures detailed body shapes. These digital versions will allow video referees (known as VAR) to track players more accurately, even during fast or tricky moments on the pitch. FIFA says the technology will make decisions clearer and more reliable.
This AI system was tested last year and is now ready for the big stage. FIFA is also working on other tools to check if the ball goes out of play before a goal and to show offside calls in 3D for fans and referees.
The 2026 World Cup will be co‑hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico—the first time three countries have shared the event. It begins on 11 June and ends on 19 July.
New Zealand’s national team, known as the All Whites, have qualified for the tournament after winning the Oceania qualifying competition, earning just their third World Cup appearance. They have been drawn into Group G, where they will play against Belgium, Egypt and Iran in the group stage. Their first match will be against Iran, followed by games against Egypt and Belgium as they aim to make a strong showing at the global event.
