Newsmakers

The official match ball for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will need to be charged before matches, just like a smartphone or smartwatch, because of the advanced sensor technology built into it.

The ball, named Trionda, will be used at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It contains connected ball technology designed to help match officials make quicker and more accurate decisions.

A 500Hz motion sensor chip inside the ball can record data 500 times per second, tracking touches, movement, speed, spin and changes of direction in real time. The data will be sent to the video assistant referee system and combined with stadium camera tracking.

That information will help officials analyse tight decisions, including offsides, handballs, fouls and whether the ball has gone out of play. The sensor can identify the exact moment the ball is touched, which is particularly important for offside calls.

The chip weighs about 14 grams and is placed inside the ball in a way that does not affect its balance or performance. Players are not expected to feel any difference while using it during matches.

The ball’s data will work with tracking cameras installed at World Cup venues to create a three-dimensional model of the match. The system brings together elements of goal-line technology, Hawk-Eye-style tracking and connected-ball data.

The sensor is powered by a rechargeable battery. A full charge can keep it running for about six hours, enough for a match, but the ball will have to be charged before use like other match equipment.
Connected ball technology has been used before in football, including at the 2022 World Cup, but the 2026 version is faster, more accurate and more deeply integrated with officiating systems.

The Trionda also carries design elements representing the three host nations. Its colours and patterns refer to the United States, Canada and Mexico, while the name reflects the idea of three waves or three hosts.

.The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 across North America.