FIFA is working on the possible implementation of new refereeing technologies for the 2026 World Cup, seeking to take advantage of the results obtained during the Club World Cup held in the United States. The main objective is to improve transparency, reduce errors and speed up key decisions, especially in high-voltage plays such as offside or controversial actions inside the area.
Johannes Holzmueller, FIFA’s Director of Innovation, confirmed that FIFA is evaluating the use of body cameras for referees, a resource successfully tested in recent competitions. This technology allows live images to be transmitted to both television and stadium screens, showing directly what the referee sees at crucial moments. “We want to build on the success of the Club World Cup, where we tested the referee body camera to great public acceptance,” Holzmueller said. He added that regulatory approvals are still missing: “We need approvals to implement this at the World Cup, but we are making progress.”
Faster and more accurate semi-automated offside
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In addition to body cameras, FIFA is also studying an advanced version of the semi-automated offside system.
Technology that officially debuted in 2022 and has been refined since then.
In the most recent tests conducted in the United States, some alerts were sent directly to the assistant referees on the court.
This without relying exclusively on the VAR.
This adjustment made it possible to shorten verification times, one of the points most criticized by fans and analysts.
Holzmueller explained that the goal is for the assistant referee to receive immediate information about possible offside.
Avoiding long pauses that affect the rhythm of the game.
This type of efficiency could become standard during the 2026 World Cup.
What’s next? Decision arrives in February
We want to build on the success of the Club World Cup
Johannes Holzmueller
Any changes to the regulations must be approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body that regulates the rules of world soccer.
Its key meeting will be held in February 2025 in Wales.
Only then will it be known whether these innovations advance to the next level.
Meanwhile, FIFA continues to adjust the protocols that could be used during the 2026 World Cup, organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada, whose official draw will take place this Friday in Washington.
For U.S. Hispanic fans, these potential innovations mean clearer matches, quicker decisions and a superior soccer experience at the biggest event in history.
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