June 3, 2026 | 07:21 pm

Trionda, the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Doc. Adidas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The World Cup ball deserves the spotlight just as much as the tournament itself. Created by Adidas, the ball is embedded with artificial intelligence and an integrated sensor, allowing it to collect vast amounts of data throughout a match.Specifically, the ball, named Trionda, contains a suspended inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor that sends real-time data directly to the VAR system. Capable of recording 500 data points per second, the technology tracks every touch of the ball and helps referees assess offsides, handballs, and other key incidents, according to Yahoo! Sports.Trionda is also the first World Cup ball in history to be manufactured using only four panels, as noted by DongA Science. While this design could raise concerns that an overly smooth surface might disrupt airflow and affect flight stability, Adidas has added three deep grooves to each panel along with micro-textures across the surface. These features create the right amount of roughness, helping the ball maintain a more stable and predictable flight path.Named Trionda, a Spanish-inspired term meaning “three waves,” the ball pays tribute to the tournament's three host nations. Its red, blue, and green color scheme further reflects that theme, incorporating visual references to the maple leaf of Canada, the eagle of Mexico, and the star associated with the United States.Read: 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule: Important Dates and Match StagesClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News