Images of the official match ball for the World Cup 2026 have surfaced online, offering a preview more than a year before the tournament begins. The ball is made by Adidas.
The ball is expected to be named the “Trionda.” This name is derived from the Spanish words “tri” meaning three and “onda” meaning wave.
The naming reflects the three co-host nations for the upcoming tournament: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The ball's design incorporates colors representing these countries, including red, green, and blue. The 2026 event will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams.
A notable design change from the ball used in Qatar for the 2022 tournament, the Al Rihla, is the panel structure. The Trionda appears to have just four panels, a significant reduction from the 20 panels of the previous ball. The 2014 Brazuca ball, used in Brazil, was the last World Cup ball with a four-panel design.
The leak was initially reported by Footy Headlines. Further support for the leak emerged from an application filed by Adidas through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in September 2024, which registered the trademark for "Trionda." [tw: pic.twitter.com/vw5fDlIRYZ]
Adidas has a long history of providing the official World Cup ball, a tradition dating back to the 1970 tournament in Mexico with the Telstar. Match balls have evolved over time, influencing play, though some past designs like the 2010 Jabulani drew complaints from players.
The World Cup 2026 is scheduled to kick off in Mexico City at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026. The final match is planned for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
The Trionda ball is anticipated to become available for purchase in October or November, with a retail price expected to be around $170.
