Why the 2026 World Cup ball is so high tech

It looks like a football, it kicks like a football - so what's special about the ball that will be used at the World Cup?

Firstly, the name - Trionda.

The Spanish word means "three waves", and nods to the three countries hosting the tournament.

But most importantly, the ball uses AI which means it can collect loads of data about the game.

The World Cup 2026 tournament kicks off this month in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

The Trionda is a 'smart ball' which means it's AI-enabled and it contains a special sensor.

As it moves around the pitch, the Trionda will be gathering data from sensors placed all around the stadium that track every movement of the ball

These sensors are connected to the one inside the ball.

The sensor can track data at the super speedy rate of 500 times a second, which means referees will be able to make better decisions about things like off-side goals.

Fans will also be able to get extra data, like which goal had the most spin or was kicked the hardest, or travelled the fastest.

The ball's outside design has been chosen to represent the three host countries.

The red maple leaf is for Canada, the green eagle is for Mexico and blue and stars for the United States' flag.

The gold highlights pay tribute to the glittering gold Fifa World Cup Trophy.

It's the first time in history that the tournament will be hosted by three different nations.

The opening match will take place on 11 June 2026 in Mexico City, with the final set for 19 July in New Jersey, USA.

The tournament is being expanded to include 48 teams for the first time in its history, and as a result it will last a record 39 days.

The new format will feature 12 four-team groups and an extra knockout round.