Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA and Adidas have unveiled the official ball of the tournament.
The new ball, which according to the official FIFA press release is named “Trionda,” derived from the Spanish meaning “three waves,” features a unique pattern with a white base mixed with red, green and blue swirls, which represent the three host countries: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
“Iconography that represents each host country adorns the ball, with the maple leaf for Canada, an eagle for Mexico and a star for the U.S., while gold embellishments pay tribute to the FIFA World Cup Trophy, u
nderlining the significance of the stage provided by FIFA’s flagship tournament,” FIFA said.
FIFA stated the Trionda “boasts” several key performance innovations.
“The four-panel construction incorporates intentionally deep seams, creating a surface that produces optimal in-flight stability by ensuring sufficient and evenly distributed drag as the ball travels through the air,” FIFA said.
“Additionally, embossed icons that are only visible up-close elevate grip when striking or dribbling the ball in wet or humid conditions.”
The new ball is retrofitted with a state-of-the-art, 500Hz motion sensor chip, which FIFA says will help give insight into every “element of the ball’s movement.” By sending precise data to the video assistant referee system in real time, match officials have an enhanced view to make critical decisions during offside incidents.
Last month, FIFA revealed the World Cup mascots: Canada’s Maple the Moose, Mexico’s Zayu the Jaguar and Clutch the Bald Eagle for the U.S.
The expanded 48-team tournament, which will include 104 matches, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, with Toronto and Vancouver playing host to 13 games.
The German sportswear company was appointed as the official supplier of the FIFA World Cup match ball in 1970, according to FIFA’s website.
With files from The Canadian Press
