NEW YORK –
FIFA has officially unveiled the match ball for the 2026 World Cup, a high-tech creation named Trionda that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technological refinements with design elements celebrating the tournament’s three co-host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The ball, once again designed by German manufacturer Adidas—the provider of all official World Cup balls since 1970—was revealed at a New York event on Thursday.
“I am delighted and proud to present the Trionda,” stated FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the launch ceremony in New York.
Design Celebrating Unity
The unique arrangement of the first 48-team World Cup hosted by three countries inspired both the ball’s name and its distinctive aesthetic. The design features a bold colour palette of red, blue, and green.
Iconography representing each host nation is incorporated into the ball’s surface: the maple leaf for Canada, the eagle for Mexico, and the stars for the United States. A central triangular pattern further symbolises the unity of the three countries.
Beyond the visible design, the Trionda includes several crucial technological advancements. It features deep seams engineered for “optimal in-flight stability,” alongside embossed icons strategically placed to enhance grip, particularly in wet or humid playing conditions.
Perhaps most critically, the ball houses a motion sensor chip that will transmit real-time data on the ball’s movement directly to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, offering unprecedented clarity for officials.
The Countdown to North America
The unveiling, attended by football legends including Jurgen Klinsmann, Cafu, Zinedine Zidane, Alessandro Del Piero, and Xavi Hernandez, marks another significant step in the countdown to the North American World Cup, which is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 next year.
FIFA has already initiated its phased online ticket sales procedure, reporting massive fan interest with over 4.5 million fans from 216 countries and territories having entered the presale draw. The official tournament draw is set to take place in Washington, D.C., on December 5.
