FIFA introduces AI-enhanced ball for 2026 World Cup

Named Trionda, meaning "three waves" in Spanish, the ball is priced at approximately US$160. It is designed with a built-in sensor chip system that aids in detecting offside situations and handballs, providing real-time data to the VAR system.

The ball's sleek design features a combination of white, red, blue and green patches, symbolizing the three host countries: the U.S., Canada and Mexico, according to FIFA's website. The color scheme has drawn comparisons to the Brazuca ball used in the 2014 World Cup.

Trionda's technological innovation lies in its new generation Connected Ball Technology, enhanced with AI. This system allows the ball's chip to send immediate data to the VAR system, working in tandem with player positioning to help referees make quicker decisions on key moments such as offsides and handballs.

The ball is constructed from four panels with deep seams and concave patterns, designed to improve stability during flight and address previous complaints about inconsistent ball trajectories in past World Cups.

FIFA and Adidas have launched a promotional campaign featuring football stars like Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal for Trionda ahead of the 2026 World Cup.