The 2026 World Cup is nearing its decisive stages, with the match between Switzerland and Colombia scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, marking the last game of the Round of 16. Following this, the tournament will advance to the quarterfinals, culminating in the grand final on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium.
In the lead-up to the final, FIFA and Adidas have officially unveiled the ball that will be used for the semifinals, the third-place playoff, and the championship match.
Adidas Launches the ‘Trionda’ for World Cup Finals
The new ball, named ‘Trionda’, will be exclusively utilized for the last four matches of the World Cup: the two semifinals, the third-place match, and the grand final.
However, only a limited number of players will get the chance to play with the new ball, as it will only be introduced in the final week of the competition.
Innovative Technology Behind the New Ball
The Adidas Trionda features the latest version of Connected Ball Technology.
Inside the ball is a miniature 14-gram sensor that transmits real-time information about its movement. This sensor collects data 500 times per second, monitoring speed, trajectory, rotation, and the precise moment of contact with players.
The collected data is correlated with images captured by 12 high-speed cameras positioned around the field and processed via artificial intelligence to create a 3D model of each play.
This technology aims to enhance the accuracy of officiating decisions, particularly during offside situations. The sensor accurately determines the timing of passes, while the cameras track player positions, assisting referees in analyzing other challenging incidents, such as potential handballs or events near the goal line.
