Controversy surrounding the precision of offside decisions has emerged during the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 32 fixture between Portugal and Croatia, following an incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo.
Questions have been raised about the accuracy of determining the exact moment a ball is released when judging offside positions, despite the use of advanced tracking technology. The match ball contains a chip designed to assist with such decisions, though concerns persist regarding the synchronization of data.
Observer Jonathan Francis highlighted the issue during discussion of the Ronaldo incident, noting: “The next issue they need to sort out, or at least clarify with respect to offside, is how they are determining when the ball is released. A few frames earlier and Ronaldo is onside.”
The debate centres on whether video graphics and ball-tracking systems are perfectly aligned when determining the precise frame of contact. While the technology produces detailed on-screen graphics, the synchronization between the ball’s internal sensor and camera footage has been called into question.
Portugal and Croatia are competing in the knockout phase of the World Cup 2026 tournament, where such marginal decisions can prove decisive in determining which side advances. The incident has reignited discussion about the implementation of offside technology at the highest level of international football.
Football’s lawmaking bodies have previously defended the accuracy of semi-automated offside systems, which were introduced to reduce decision times and improve consistency. However, this latest discussion suggests concerns remain regarding the fundamental question of when a pass is deemed to have been played.
The outcome of the match will determine which nation progresses beyond the last 32 stage of the competition.