The official match ball for FIFA World Cup 2026 will be used during Northern Ireland’s home World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Germany this month, it has emerged.
The new Trionda ball was unveiled today by adidas, marking the start of the countdown to football’s most prestigious international tournament, which is being staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States next summer.
And it will be used for the first time during upcoming European qualifiers, including Northern Ireland’s games at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park against Slovakia (10 October) and Germany (13 October).
Adidas said the ball design has been inspired by unity across continents. The name Trionda comes from tri (three) and onda (wave), with the ball’s red, green and blue colour scheme paying tribute to the three host nations: Canada, Mexico and USA.
It said the triangular motif at the centre of each panel symbolises the coming together of these countries to host the tournament for the first time.
Each panel also features national iconography: a maple leaf for Canada, an eagle for Mexico and a star for the USA.
These elements appear both as bold graphics and as subtle embossing across the matte surface, creating a textured finish that enhances grip and visual detail, the makers said.
Gold detailing completes the design, referencing the FIFA World Cup trophy and adding a premium finish to the ball’s surface.
Trionda has a new four-panel construction designed to optimise flight stability and control. Its surface is engineered to provide enhanced grip during dribbling and striking, especially in wet or humid environments.
The official World Cup match ball is available now via adidas retail stores, selected retailers and online at adidas.co.uk/football-balls
