Artificial intelligence is penetrating all fields. Sports are no exception. AI is already helping to determine offside, simulations, even roughness in refereeing. In 2026, AI assistants will be used for the first time at the World Cup. We tell you how it works, what it gives and whether AI can fully replace humans.

How AI helps the referee

System of semi-automatic offside: cameras track 29 points on a player's body. AI calculates the moment of the pass and the position of players in fractions of a second. The result is shown on the referee's screen. Determination of simulation: analysis of player movements (how fast does the player fall, does it coincide with contact). AI has been trained on thousands of examples. Prediction: the neural network predicts where the ball will go and suggests possible positions of players. Violations: AI detects a kick without the ball, play with the hand, even rough verbal abuse (video lip analysis).

Important: AI only recommends, the decision is made by humans.

Advantages of AI in refereeing

Objectivity: no emotions, does not support teams. Speed: offside is determined in 5 seconds (before 90). Accuracy: 1 cm error in controversial moments. Predictability: treats similar episodes the same way. Helps the referee in difficult decisions (e.g., expulsion).

Thanks to AI, the number of gross errors at the 2026 World Cup may be reduced to 0.

Disadvantages and limitations

AI does not understand the context (for example, was it intentional?). It cannot determine the "strength of the hit" (foul or not?). It does not take into account psychology (heat of passion). Failures: if the camera loses the player (due to obstruction). Ethics: players will argue not with the referee, but with a robot. Arguments about millimeters: offside in 1 cm, which does not give an advantage, is still fixed. AI kills emotions (you can't argue with a machine).

Total replacement of humans is a utopia.

Future

In 2026-2030, AI will start to be used to assess the severity of fouls (yellow or red card). AI detectors of racism will appear (read words from the lips). It is possible that AI will predict the result of a dispute (a fantasy). But the final decision will remain with humans. FIFA will not dare to use a robot referee.

AI in refereeing is an assistant, not a replacement. It reduces errors, but does not kill the human factor. Because football is a game of passions, not algorithms.

Permanent link to this publication: