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World Cup 'smart' ball is a game changer. Just don...

ESPN · Jun 22, 2026, 12:06 PM · Also reported by 2 other sources

Key takeaways

  • IRVINE, Calif. -- At each match during this summer's FIFA World Cup, there is a person tasked with an incredibly important (and uniquely modern) job: Make sure the soccer balls don't die.
  • This is the reality of playing soccer in a post-technological era.
  • It also means that just like your doom-scrolling device of choice, it needs to be charged.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

IRVINE, Calif. -- At each match during this summer's FIFA World Cup, there is a person tasked with an incredibly important (and uniquely modern) job: Make sure the soccer balls don't die.

This is the reality of playing soccer in a post-technological era. The Adidas Trionda, which is the official match ball of this tournament, is a fully "smart" ball -- Adidas uses the term "connected" -- which means the ball can transmit a record amount of near instantaneous data, assist in making offside decisions in a way never seen before, and offer more statistical insights than any team or fan could reasonably use.

It also means that just like your doom-scrolling device of choice, it needs to be charged.

Article preview — originally published by ESPN. Full story at the source.
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