Trionda: Enhanced Surface Roughness Relative to Previous FIFA World Cup Match Balls
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Wind-tunnel experiments were conducted on Trionda, the official match ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Aerodynamic force coefficients derived from these measurements were incorporated into numerical trajectory simulations of kicked balls. The resulting aerodynamic characteristics and simulated flight behavior were compared with those of the four previous World Cup match balls: Al Rihla (2022), Telstar 18 (2018), Brazuca (2014), and Jabulani (2010). Relative to its predecessors, Trionda exhibits a drag crisis at lower flow speeds, consistent with an apparently rougher surface. Although its turbulent-regime drag coefficient is more stable than those of earlier designs, its magnitude is modestly larger. Trajectory simulations therefore indicate the potential for small but perceptible reductions in range for long kicks. This study therefore provides the first aerodynamic characterization of the 2026 FIFA World Cup match ball (Trionda) and places its drag-crisis behavior and flight characteristics in direct quantitative comparison with those of recent World Cup balls examined under identical experimental conditions.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app16062808
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7136745286