World Cup 2026: Fifa unveils new ball which uses AI to help referees

The official match ball of the 2026 World Cup will use state-of-the-art technology to provide more insight into gameplay and help referees make faster decisions.

Fifa unveiled the new ball - named the Trionda - on Friday.

Next year's tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The name Trionda is a combination of "tri", the English prefix for three - representing the three host nations, and "onda", the Spanish word for "wave".

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Designed by Adidas, each ball is fitted with an AI chip that will send live data to the video assistant referee system (VAR) to assist with offside and handball calls.

Adidas claims its innovative ‘connected ball technology’ will enable faster in-game officiating decisions.

It says the real-time data sent to VAR, combined with player position data, should provide faster rulings.

The technology can also help identify each individual touch of the ball and has been created with the host nations' differing climates and weather conditions in mind.

Adidas says the icons embossed on the the ball’s surface will increase grip – especially in damp conditions.

The 2026 World Cup will kick off at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca on June 11 and culminate at East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.

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