The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has officially unveiled Trionda, the groundbreaking new match ball set to be used in the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup. This innovative ball incorporates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology, designed to provide crucial assistance to both players and referees throughout the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Named ‘Trionda,’ a Spanish term meaning ‘Three Waves,’ the ball is poised to retail for approximately $160. What distinguishes Trionda from previous World Cup balls is its integrated chip system. This sophisticated technology is engineered to aid match officials by providing real-time data for offside analysis and accurate detection of ball touches, directly feeding information to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
Visually, the Trionda features a striking design with four distinct panels. Its surface prominently displays a vibrant color scheme of red, blue, and green. These colors are not merely aesthetic; they symbolically represent the three host nations of the 2026 tournament: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Furthermore, this marks the first time since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil that the official match ball will feature such a prominent colorful design, following more subdued aesthetics used in Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022).
The integration of AI and the chip system ensures that vital data is simultaneously transmitted to the VAR system. This real-time information, especially concerning player positioning and ball events, is intended to significantly accelerate decision-making processes for match referees and enhance the overall integrity and fairness of the game.
To build excitement for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA and its renowned sports equipment partners have launched a comprehensive promotional campaign for the new ball. Esteemed footballers such as Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, and Lamine Yamal have been featured prominently, helping to introduce this technologically advanced ball to a global audience.
