FIFA World Cup 2026 - Why is there a new ball in the semi-finals?

The final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played on July 19 (BST).

The first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 took place between two European heavyweights, Spain and France, at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. La Roja defeated the two-time champions 2-0 to reach the tournament final for the second time in their history.

Mikel Oyarzabal scored in the 22nd minute off a penalty. The penalty was won by Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. He was kicked by Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne.

The second goal was then scored in the 58th minute by Pedro Porro, courtesy of an assist from Dan Olmo. Les Bleus failed to score a single goal in regulation time for the first time in the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, another thing that grabbed fans’ attention was the new ball used in the game.

Also Read: Top five goalkeepers with most clean sheets at FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Unai Simon

Why is there a new ball in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals?

FIFA has introduced a new ball for the last four remaining games of the summer competition, of which one has already ended. The gold-and-black Trionda Final ball will be used in the three remaining games: the semifinal between England and Argentina, the third-place playoff, and Sunday’s final.

The official announcement of the same was made by Adidas earlier this month, on July 6. They revealed that the Trionda Official Match ball, which featured the colours of the host countries of red, blue, green, and white, will have a revamped style for the last stretch of the tournament.

FIFA’s official statement reads:

“Uniquely, Trionda Final celebrates the 16 iconic host cities that have welcomed the world for the biggest FIFA World Cup ever. As host of the semi-finals, bronze final and final, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami and New York New Jersey are prominently featured within the main blocking of the design.

“Meanwhile, Boston, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Monterrey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver are incorporated within the triangular graphic elements, ensuring their significant contributions to the success of the tournament are recognised right through to the final whistle.”

FIFA also claimed that the ball uses up-to-date AI technology, which will help improve the sport by providing precise ball data in real time.

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