The bot boot for Croatia

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, July 4, 2026

Croatia was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup after a VAR decision, based on sensor data detecting a slight contact with a player’s hair, led to an offside call that disallowed a potential equalizing goal against Portugal. This incident highlights the growing influence of AI and sensor technology in football, raising questions about the balance between technological accuracy and preserving the traditional human judgment in the sport.

Croatia's bid to advance in the FIFA World Cup was halted in the round of 32 following a controversial decision involving video assistant referee (VAR) technology. The team’s potential equalizing goal during their match against Portugal was disallowed after automated sensors embedded in the ball detected a slight contact with Croatian player Igor Matanovic’s hair, which subsequently led to an offside ruling in the buildup to the goal.

Josko Gvardiol appeared to have scored a decisive late goal, but the VAR system overturned the decision, ruling that the ball had been touched offside. Despite television replays showing no visible change in the ball’s trajectory, the match officials relied on the data from the new sensor technology. This development marked one of the first notable instances where AI-enhanced tools played a direct role in adjudicating a critical World Cup match outcome.

The use of artificial intelligence and sensor technology in football has sparked debate over its influence on high-stakes matches. Experts, including Professor Paul Salmon from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, have noted how AI is increasingly integrated into elite sports. Salmon described AI as “fast becoming a key component of high performance sport,” suggesting it could have a growing impact on game results, including determining victors in major tournaments such as the World Cup.

While proponents argue that these technological advancements enhance decision accuracy and fairness, critics express concern over the potential for such systems to alter the human element of the game and the subjective judgment traditionally exercised by referees.

The Croatian team’s elimination has spotlighted the evolving role of technology in football and raised questions about the balance between innovation and maintaining the sport’s established dynamics. As AI and sensor devices become more prevalent, the World Cup and other competitions may face ongoing challenges in integrating new tools while preserving the integrity and spirit of the game.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.