FIFA World Cup 2026: Why game balls always make their way back onto the pitch during matches

World Cup game balls are not souvenirs for lucky fans catching them. FIFA policy requires fans to promptly return any ball kicked into the stands. This rule differs from American baseball traditions where fans keep caught balls. Advanced technology embedded within the balls also influences this strict retrieval policy. Fans can purchase similar balls from licensed vendors for a fee.

Raccontata daeconomictimes.indiatimes.com