A week after being unveiled, the new official ball for the 2026 world cup is The Trionda created by Adidas. All eyes are now on the new ball and how it will change the game. With three host nations United States, Canada, and Mexico the ball design, performance and results must show. Here’s what you need to know about the trionda and what I predict about the Trionda for next year tournament.
Design and symbolism
Trionda – the name itself has a meaning. The “Tri” stands for the three host nation:s US, Canada, and Mexico. The “onda” stands for a triple wave uniting the three nations. The ball uses red, blue and green each color representing the three host countries. Red with maple leaf motifs is for Canada. Blue with stars is for the United States, and green with an eagle design for Mexico. The three colors flow in a wave-like pattern showing how the three nations are uniting or coming together. There are also small details of gold representing the trophy.
Engineering and technology
Adidas has put a lot of tech meant to push the boundaries on how the ball performs. It’s built with four panels which is a surprising move from Adidas. Fewer panels mean less seams and that helps with the flight of the ball. The seams are deep and they are etched with country icons. The maple lead, stars, and the eagle. They provide texture to the ball and also better grip in wet or hot conditions. Adidas also included a 500 Hz motion sensor chip embedded in one of the panels. This sends data in real time to the Var systems (Video Assistant Referee) helping the refs detect touches, offsides or possible handballs faster. Four years later the 2022 world cup ball had a chip in the center of the ball mounted with support systems. The new and improved Tridonda has the chip built in the panel of the ball so the ball can remain stable.
Reactions from journalists
Some call the ball loud and chaotic, thinking all the stars, leaves and eagle design are a bit too much for a prestigious tournament. There are similarities with the infamous jabulani from the 2010 world cup in South Africa with its flight pattern being very weird not allowing any spin on the ball creating the famous effect of the knuckleball. On the other side people love it; they admire the tech and design of the ball.
Opinion
The players will probably get used to the ball quickly. The ball is given out to clubs who are sponsored by Adidas. We might see unpredictable bounces or shots off the bar. As the knockout round comes, the senor and the var might decide hard calls that the ref on the field can’t see. There will likely be a few controversial handballs or offside decisions. The goalkeepers will either love it or hate it. Sometimes the trajectory consistency will help long-range, curling shots, and the knuckling of the ball. It may become an iconic ball of all the technology worlds without creating bad decisions. The Trionda isn’t just a ball it show the three nation uniting as one for this tournament and also adidas new innovating technology.
