The countdown to the game-changing FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its latest significant milestone with the launch of the Adidas Trionda, the official match ball of the competition, FIFA announced Friday.
The name Trionda can be translated from Spanish as “three waves”, and, alongside other unique and innovative design features, celebrates the fact that, for the first time, three host countries – Canada, Mexico and the United States are uniting to host the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said that Trionda’s design is inspired by the tournament's three co-hosts – Canada, Mexico and the United States and the launch of the ball continues the build-up to global showpiece as excitement mounts ahead of the final draw.
“The official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is here and it’s a beauty. “I am happy and proud to present Trionda, “he said
FIFA President said that Adidas have created another iconic FIFA World Cup ball, with the design embodying the unity and passion of next year's host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“I can't wait to see this beautiful ball hitting the back of the net. The countdown to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever is on – and the ball is rolling!” he said adding that connected ball technology provides insight into every ball movement, supporting match officials
He affirmed that the ball’s vibrant design features a red, green and blue colour scheme that pays homage to the three host countries, while a brand-new four-panel construction with fluid geometry replicates the waves referenced in the ball’s name.
'‘These panels connect to form a triangle in the centre of the ball in a nod to the historic union of the three host nations” he said
FIFA stated that Iconography that represents each host country adorns the ball, with the maple leaf for Canada, an eagle for Mexico and a star for the United States, while gold embellishments pay tribute to the FIFA World Cup Trophy, underlining the significance of the stage provided by FIFA’s flagship tournament.
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.
Additionally, embossed icons that are only visible up-close elevate grip when striking or dribbling the ball in wet or humid conditions.
Connected ball technology again features in the Official Match Ball of the FIFA World Cup, with a state-of-the-art 500Hz motion sensor chip delivering insight into every element of the ball’s movement.
This technology sends precise data to the video assistant referee system in real time, enhancing match officials’ decision-making, including in relation to offside incidents.
Adidas spent years developing and testing the ball before its launch at Brooklyn Bridge Park, ensuring it could adapt to the tournament’s varied weather conditions.
With 16 host cities stretching from Vancouver to Mexico City, designers factored in differences in temperature, humidity, and altitude.
The ball was tested in controlled environments to simulate humidity, then taken on a road tour through seven host cities for real-game trials.
Players from teams such as Vancouver Whitecaps and Tigres took part, giving feedback that shaped the final design.
To guarantee performance, Adidas combined lab tests with real-world feedback. In-house robotics were used for precision analysis, while external partners such as Loughborough University conducted wind-tunnel testing.
Player feedback was also a crucial part of the process. “We also want to validate it through the players because they also have a perceived way of seeing if it performs for them or not, so we also go out there and test this with amateur players [up] until pro players to also get their feedback and validation,” said Solene Stormann, Adidas’ global category director of football hardware.
Before the World Cup begins, national teams and some tournaments will receive early access to Trionda, giving players time to adjust to its handling.
Trionda’s arrival continues the momentum leading up to the 23rd edition of the global extravaganza and comes ahead of important international match windows in October and November, during which more nations are set to seal their berths at the tournament, and the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 26 in Washington DC on Friday, 5 December 2025.
