KEY POINTS
- Trionda symbolizes the unity of co-host nations—Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
- The ball offers enhanced flight stability and supports VAR technology.
- This marks Sialkot’s fourth consecutive World Cup contribution, cementing Pakistan’s legacy in global football craftsmanship.
ISLAMABAD: Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has unveiled Trionda, the match ball for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, proudly manufactured in Pakistan’s Sialkot city, known as the global capital of hand-stitched footballs.
Born in the skilled hands of Sialkot’s Forward Sports and brought to life by Adidas’s visionary design, Trionda is more than just a ball, it’s a symbol stitched with unity, ambition, and legacy.
Celebrating the rare harmony of three host nations, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this ball spins with the spirit of continents converging, proudly carrying Pakistan’s mark to the heart of football’s grandest stage.
The name Trionda, meaning “three waves” in Spanish, embodies the spirit of collaboration among the co-hosts. Its vibrant red, green, and blue colour palette represents the national colours of Canada, Mexico, and the US, while gold detailing pays homage to the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
The ball’s design also includes visual nods to each nation, a maple leaf for Canada, an eagle for Mexico, and a star for the United States.
Technically advanced, Trionda features a newly developed four-panel structure aimed at enhancing flight stability and grip in varying weather conditions. Notably, it incorporates a 500Hz motion sensor chip, which will track every movement of the ball in real time.
This data will integrate directly with the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system to provide greater accuracy in officiating, particularly for tight offside decisions.
This marks the fourth consecutive World Cup ball produced by Sialkot-based Forward Sports, which also made official balls for the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.
The announcement is being celebrated in Pakistan as a proud moment for its sports manufacturing industry, reaffirming Sialkot’s status as a global hub for quality sports equipment.
Set to be the largest World Cup in history, the 2026 tournament will see 48 teams compete across three countries, the first time the event will be jointly hosted by a trio of nations.
Stitched with Legacy: Pakistan’s Football at World Cup
Sialkot’s legacy in football manufacturing dates back to the late 1800s, when British soldiers in the region turned to local craftsmen to make footballs due to supply delays.
Rooted in the city’s leather and shoemaking tradition, this demand sparked what would become a global industry. From hand-stitched balls to modern, thermo-bonded designs, Sialkot has grown into the world’s leading hub for football production.
Origins in the 19th Century
The football journey in Sialkot began when British troops stationed in the area requested locally-made footballs.
Cobblers and leatherworkers stepped in to fill the gap, launching a tradition of football making that began around 1889. This early production marked the start of Sialkot’s specialization in footballs.
From Tradition to Innovation
Hand-Stitched Heritage: Sialkot was long known as the global capital of hand-stitched footballs, crafted with precision and care.
Rise of Technology: The shift to thermal bonding, where panels are fused using heat instead of stitches, modernized the industry.
Leading the Way: Forward Sports, a key Sialkot manufacturer, helped pioneer this technology and has since produced official FIFA match balls.
Global Impact
Major Contributor: Sialkot now produces over 70% of the world’s footballs, making it a vital player in the global sports equipment industry.
World Cup Credentials: The city has supplied official match balls for several FIFA World Cups, including in 2014, 2018, 2022, and now 2026.
Trusted Partnerships: Sialkot’s sports manufacturers have forged strong ties with global brands like Adidas, enhancing Pakistan’s profile in international sports.
