This year, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will see an innovative application of cutting-edge technology like the ‘sneak meter’ used on the cricket field. In a match between Sweden and Tunisia on Sunday, ‘ball-contact’ technology was used to award Sweden a goal, which was initially ruled out for offside by the linesman. The historic decision of the referee with the help of artificial intelligence technology has attracted a lot of attention in the world of football.
This incident happened in the 84th minute of the match on Sunday. Sweden’s Matias Vanberg scored the fourth goal within 18 seconds of entering the field. Sweden’s players and coaches cheered after the goal, but the linesman immediately ruled it offside.
Sweden strongly contested the decision, claiming that the ball had touched Alexander Isak’s leg before reaching Vanberg, putting Vanberg in an offside position anyway. The Chief Referee on the field then communicates with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The soccer ball used in the World Cup has a special artificial intelligence chip that can detect the best touch on the ball. Through this ball-contact technology, which is similar to a cricket sneekometer, it is checked to ensure that the ball actually touched Isaac’s leg. The referee later reversed the decision and awarded the goal to Sweden.
The decision sparked a new celebration in the Swedish camp, eventually leading to a huge 5-1 victory in the match. This is the second biggest win in the current World Cup so far. Earlier on Sunday, Germany beat Curaçao 7-1
The World Cup opens with a match between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico on 11 June. The tournament is being held jointly in the United States, Canada and Mexico and will continue until July. The use of such sophisticated sensor technology for the first time in football is expected to help referees make decisions in upcoming matches.