Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Every World Cup gets its own ball, and this year's design is one of the most radical yet.
Called the Trionda, a nod to the tournament's three host countries, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, it's made from just four interlocking panels. That's the fewest panels ever used in a World Cup ball, down from the 20-panel design used in 2022. Behind that change is a surprising amount of math and physics, as engineers try to balance aerodynamics, symmetry, and control to make sure the ball behaves the way players expect on the world's biggest stage.
#worldcup2026 #soccer #physics #math #sports
Read more at: scientificamerican.com/article/the-surprising-math-and-physics-behind-the-2026-trionda-world-cup-soccer-ball
Image credit: FIFA, Getty Images, Premier League, Associated Press
Illustration: Amanda Montañez
Story: Emma R. Hasson
Every World Cup gets its own ball, and this year's design is one of the most radical yet.
Called the Trionda, a nod to the tournament's three host countries, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, it's made from just four interlocking panels. That's the fewest panels ever used in a World Cup ball, down from the 20-panel design used in 2022. Behind that change is a surprising amount of math and physics, as engineers try to balance aerodynamics, symmetry, and control to make sure the ball behaves the way players expect on the world's biggest stage.
#worldcup2026 #soccer #physics #math #sports
Read more at: scientificamerican.com/article/the-surprising-math-and-physics-behind-the-2026-trionda-world-cup-soccer-ball
Image credit: FIFA, Getty Images, Premier League, Associated Press
Illustration: Amanda Montañez
Story: Emma R. Hasson
