FIFA has unveiled the official AI-powered “Trionda” ball by Adidas for the 2026 World Cup.

The Adidas Trionda, meaning ‘three waves’, is out officially for £119/$160,  designed to help match officials as much as players, with interior technology informing offside and handball decisions.

It’s painted white, red, blue, and green, which celebrate the colours of the host nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and is reminiscent of the 2014 Brazuca.

The design features a blue star for the USA, a red maple leaf for Canada and a green eagle for Mexico.

‘It’s the most visually playful FIFA World Cup ball we’ve ever created,’ said Sam Handy, general manager at Adidas Football. ‘A piece of craftsmanship built for the biggest stage, that makes you want to hold it, admire it, and above all, play with it.’

A chip system is carefully placed inside, the latest wave of Adidas’ Connected Ball Technology, which relays data to the VAR system.

The ability to meticulously track every individual touch of the ball, combined with player positioning data and the help of AI technology, allows match officials to make faster and well-informed decisions regarding offside and handball infractions.

Read Also

Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi, and Lamine Yamal are pictured looking like they’re having a great time with the ball in promotional material.

One image shows the football dwarfing Yamal, but not to fear, it won’t be that large.

As with most World Cup balls, designers promise ‘optimal in-flight stability’ thanks to its four-panel construction, deep seams, and ‘strategically placed debossed lines’. That said, balls for recent tournaments, barring the 2014 World Cup, have often been criticised by players for their unpredictable flights.

Adidas said: ‘Crafted for the biggest sporting event in the world, Adidas’ 2026 Official Match Ball is unlike any ball the pitch has ever seen.

‘This year’s ball carries the latest evolution of the brand’s Connected Ball Technology, now powered by AI, to deliver real-time data and insights that will shape everything from referee decisions to tactical analysis across all 104 matches.

‘It is set to be the most advanced match ball Adidas has ever created.’