FIFA Introduces Full-Body Player Scans to Enhance VAR at the World Cup

According to German media outlet Bild, all players at this World Cup will undergo full-body scans before the tournament begins, allowing detailed player models to be created for use in assisting VAR decisions.

Bild reports that before Germany's opening World Cup match against Curaçao, all 26 members of the German squad will be scanned. The process takes just one second per player. The technology will then use each player's precise body measurements to create 26 digital models.

Like the 26 German internationals, more than 1,200 players from all 48 participating teams will be scanned before their first match. Their body data will be integrated into the semi-automated offside system.

During 3D offside reviews, the digital avatars will closely replicate the appearance and dimensions of the real players, enabling officials to determine offside positions instantly. The system can also reconstruct matches in real time, including the perspectives of both goalkeepers, since a goalkeeper's line of sight may be obstructed by a player who appears to be only passively offside. The technology is designed to provide additional support for referees in making accurate decisions.