SAOT

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to become a major showcase for artificial intelligence in modern football. Four AI technologies are being prepared not only to support referees, but also to make matches more accurate, safer, and easier for fans to understand.Across the tournament, AI will influence decisions on the pitch and security around stadiums. With global attention focused on match quality, technology is becoming a key tool for speeding up processes and improving transparency.Smart offside calls with SAOTOne of the most closely watched systems is Semi-Automated Offside Technology, or SAOT. It helps referees and Video Assistant Referees make offside decisions faster and more accurately by automatically tracking the positions of players and the ball.SAOT uses 12 specialized cameras installed around the stadium. Those cameras monitor the movement of the ball and players in real time, then track up to 29 data points on each player’s body 50 times per second.The data is sent as an automatic alert to VAR when a potential offside is detected. The final decision is still reviewed by VAR officials before it is communicated to the referee on the field.A smart ball that detects every touchThe next technology is the Smart Match Ball called Trionda, developed by Adidas. The ball uses an Inertial Measurement Unit, or IMU, sensor placed in the center of the ball to transmit movement data in real time.The sensor inside the ball can detect when it is kicked, touched, or changes direction. Data is transmitted up to 500 times per second, allowing the ball’s movement to be recorded in great detail in three-dimensional space.That information is especially useful for determining the exact point of a pass in extremely tight offside situations. It also helps review handball incidents, the last touch before the ball goes out, and other moments that often trigger debate.3D player models for clearer visualizationAI-enabled 3D Player Avatars are also being prepared to support match operations. This technology creates three-dimensional digital models of each player through body scanning before the tournament begins.The scan takes only about one second, yet it can capture a player’s size and body shape with precision. The resulting data is then processed by AI so player movement can still be tracked even when a player is hidden by others or moving at high speed.The feature is also meant to help viewers. When an offside decision is made, VAR data will be shown as a 3D animation so the positions of the players are easier to understand, both inside the stadium and at home.Security robots for stadium patrolsBeyond the match itself, AI will also be used for security. Some host cities will deploy four-legged robot dogs to help patrol and monitor stadium areas.The robots are equipped with sensors, cameras, and AI systems that allow them to move through dangerous areas without putting officers at risk. Video from the robots can be sent directly to a command center for monitoring before action is taken.These security robots can also inspect suspicious objects or areas that are difficult for people to reach. In a tournament spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the technology is expected to improve the effectiveness of surveillance.Together, SAOT, the smart ball, 3D player avatars, and security robots show how AI is becoming an important part of World Cup operations. The technology is not only helping refereeing decisions, but also strengthening the viewing experience and security throughout the tournament. Source: www.idntimes.com

4 AI Technologies at the 2026 World Cup, Referees Are No Longer the Only Deciders