World Cup 2026: Did semi-automated offside technology treat Argentina and Algeria differently?

The controversy surrounding Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup extended beyond debates over Lionel Messi’s challenge on Aissa Mandi.

Questions also emerged regarding the application of the semi-automated offside technology after two disallowed goals involving Argentina and Algeria appeared to be handled in very different ways during the match.

The contrasting decisions sparked discussion among supporters, with many wondering whether the technology had been applied consistently.

Two Similar Incidents, Two Different Outcomes

The first incident arrived in the fifth minute when Messi found the back of the net for Argentina.

However, the assistant referee quickly raised the flag for offside and the goal was immediately ruled out without the need for a lengthy review.

A short time later, Algeria thought they had taken the lead when Fares Chaibi finished off an attacking move and celebrated what appeared to be a valid goal.

Unlike Messi’s effort, the assistant referee kept the flag down and allowed play to continue. The goal initially stood, prompting celebrations from the Algerian players and supporters, before the Video Assistant Referee intervened and ruled the goal out for offside following a review.

The differing sequence of events led many fans to question why one decision was made instantly while the other required a later intervention.

How Semi-Automated Offside Technology Works

For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA is using an upgraded version of semi-automated offside technology.

The system relies on multiple tracking cameras and a sensor inside the match ball to determine the exact moment a pass is played and the positions of players involved in an attacking move.

When the technology identifies what is considered a clear offside position exceeding 10 centimetres, an immediate alert is sent directly to the assistant referee through a headset. This allows the official to raise the flag quickly without waiting for the attack to conclude.

In situations where the margin is smaller than 10 centimetres and requires additional analysis, the system does not issue an immediate decision. Instead, the assistant referee is instructed to allow the attacking phase to continue before the incident is reviewed in greater detail by the video officials using three-dimensional graphics.

Why Messi’s Goal Was Disallowed Immediately

According to technical reports covering the match, Messi’s disallowed goal fell into the category of a clear offside situation.

As a result, the technology generated an instant alert that was transmitted to the assistant referee, leading to the rapid decision to raise the flag and stop the play once the attack had ended.

Because the offside position was deemed sufficiently clear by the system, there was no requirement for an extended review process.

Why Chaibi’s Goal Required a Review

The situation involving Fares Chaibi was treated differently because it was not initially classified as a clear offside offence.

The assistant referee, therefore, allowed the attack to continue in accordance with the protocol. After the move ended in a goal, the Video Assistant Referee reviewed the incident using the available technology and three-dimensional graphics before determining that an offside offence had occurred.

The goal was subsequently disallowed following that review.

Was There Any Favouritism?

From a technical perspective, there is no evidence to suggest that different standards were applied to Argentina and Algeria.

The protocol governing semi-automated offside technology specifically requires assistant referees to react immediately in clear cases, while closer and more complex situations are left for further examination after the attacking phase has concluded.

However, the difference in how the two incidents appeared to unfold created a perception problem.

Supporters do not hear the communication between the technology system and match officials, nor do they have access to the real time alerts sent to referees. What fans witnessed was Messi’s goal being ruled out almost instantly, while Chaibi’s effort was first celebrated and then cancelled after a review.

That contrast inevitably fuelled debate and speculation, even though both decisions were handled according to the procedures established for the technology.

As a result, the controversy appears to be less about the decisions themselves and more about how the process is perceived by those watching from the stands and around the world.