Aerodynamic characteristics of the official 2026 FIFA World Cup ball «Trionda» and their impact on the game

Abstract

Topicality. The article examines the aerodynamic characteristics of the official 2026 FIFA World Cup ball «Trionda» and their impact on the quality of the game. The design of «Trionda», which consists of four thermally bonded panels with deep grooves and microtexture, provides higher effective surface roughness compared to previous models. The drag crisis for «Trionda» occurs at lower speeds (≈43 km/h) than for «Al Rihla», «Telstar 18» and «Brazuca», making its trajectory more stable and predictable in the speed range typical for corner kicks and free kicks. At the same time, at high flight speeds «Trionda» demonstrates a higher drag coefficient (≈0,22), which, according to trajectory simulations, may slightly reduce flight range. The purpose of the study is to determine the aerodynamic features of the «Trionda» ball and assess their impact on game performance, tactical patterns and players’ perception of the ball. Material and methods: analysis and synthesis of scientific publications on the research topic; analysis of aerodynamic test data (measurement of drag, lift and side force coefficients, analysis of power spectral density) obtained in a wind tunnel; interpretation of the results of computer simulation of ball flight trajectories. Research results. The key aerodynamic parameters of «Trionda» are summarised on the basis of independent studies: the lowest drag crisis speed; stable drag coefficient over a wide speed range; increased turbulence in the wake of the ball compared to «Al Rihla»; a dependence of aerodynamic characteristics on panel orientation was revealed. It was determined that balancing the built-in sensor with counterweights ensures uniform mass distribution and does not affect aerodynamic symmetry. It was found that «Trionda» creates a systematic problem for goalkeepers when saving shots above shoulder level: in 78 % of goals from long distances, goalkeepers touched the ball but could not deflect it wide. According to the built-in sensor data, the fastest shot of the tournament was recorded by Senegal’s Pape Gueye – 131,94 km/h. Conclusions. The engineering solutions applied in the design of «Trionda» have provided a more stable and predictable flight compared to previous models. This improves the quality of the game and reduces the influence of randomness. The developed methodology for studying the aerodynamics of sports equipment can be used for the analysis of future ball models.