The ball is officially rolling towards the biggest FIFA World Cup in history. With just nine months to go, FIFA and adidas have revealed the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026 – a striking creation named TRIONDA, a tribute to unity, innovation, and the tournament’s unprecedented three-nation hosting.
In a vibrant ceremony and statement from FIFA, TRIONDA was unveiled as the heartbeat of a tournament that will span across Canada, Mexico, and the United States – the first time the World Cup will be shared by three nations.
“I am happy and proud to present TRIONDA,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“adidas have created another iconic FIFA World Cup ball, with the design embodying the unity and passion of next year’s host nations. I can’t wait to see this beautiful ball hitting the back of the net.”
What’s in a Name? TRIONDA Means More Than Just ‘Three Waves’
The name TRIONDA, which translates from Spanish as “three waves,” is both poetic and purposeful. It nods to the historic tri-hosting format while reflecting the design’s dynamic visual energy – a ripple effect symbolising how football connects across borders, cultures, and generations.
The ball’s red, green, and blue colour palette is a direct tribute to the national identities of the three hosts: red for Canada’s maple leaf, green for Mexico’s vibrant football culture, and blue for the United States’ star motif. A closer look reveals intricate iconography – the maple leaf, eagle, and star – representing each nation, while gold accents honour the FIFA World Cup Trophy itself.
A Design That’s Beautiful – and Built for the Big Stage
The TRIONDA isn’t just about symbolism; it’s packed with cutting-edge performance features to match the demands of the modern game:
- Four-panel construction: A brand-new shape that mimics the movement of waves, improving aerodynamics and providing better in-flight stability.
- Deep seams and surface detailing: Engineered for enhanced grip and drag control, particularly in wet or humid conditions – crucial in a summer World Cup that spans varied climates.
- Connected Ball Technology: TRIONDA carries a 500Hz motion sensor chip, sending real-time data to VAR systems to aid in decisions like offsides and goal-line calls – a continuation of the tech introduced in Qatar 2022.
Simply put: this isn’t just a ball. It’s a blend of art, technology, and legacy.
Momentum Building for a Monumental Tournament
The TRIONDA reveal is the latest in a string of milestone moments as anticipation builds for the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, set to be the largest ever with 48 teams, expanded knockout rounds, and matches in over a dozen cities across North America.
Other recent highlights include:
- The unveiling of the official mascots
- The announcement that $1 USD per ticket sold will go to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
- A staggering 4.5 million ticket requests from 216 countries and territories during the Visa Presale Draw
The final tournament draw will take place in Washington D.C. on December 5, 2025, a crucial moment where fans will learn their teams’ paths to potential glory.
A Symbol of Unity in a Game of Passion
TRIONDA is more than just a match ball. It’s a symbol of the tournament’s ambition, the cultural convergence of its hosts, and a beacon for the millions of fans around the world who will witness the magic unfold next summer.
In a World Cup poised to break new ground on and off the pitch, TRIONDA is the perfect starting point – a beautiful, functional, and deeply meaningful ball that will carry the hopes of nations, the weight of history, and the spirit of the beautiful game.
And as Infantino said – the countdown is truly on.
The ball is rolling. And the world is watching.
