The official match ball for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, named Trionda, will require charging before every game due to its advanced tracking technology.
Gatekeepers News reports that the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a ball equipped with a lightweight 14-gram sensor designed to provide real-time data during matches. The sensor reportedly has a battery life of up to six hours — far beyond the 90 minutes required for a football match.
According to reports, the ball contains built-in 500Hz motion sensors that help transmit accurate ball-tracking information to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The technology will assist officials in making offside and goal-line decisions with greater precision.
Unlike the sensor used during the 2022 World Cup, which was embedded within the ball’s wiring, the upgraded technology in Trionda is integrated directly into one of the ball’s panels.
The sensor data is combined with information from 12 cameras installed around stadiums, allowing officials to track the movement of the ball and players up to 50 times per second in real time. The information is then relayed instantly to VAR systems for goal-line technology and offside reviews.
Manufactured by Adidas, the ball’s name is derived from the Spanish phrase for “three waves,” symbolising the three host countries. Its design incorporates elements representing each nation — Canada’s red maple leaf, Mexico’s green eagle, and the United States’ blue star.
The ball also features a new aerodynamic four-panel design aimed at improving performance on the pitch.
