Alive and kicking: load cells in action at the FIFA World Cup 2026
As the World Cup 2026 kicks off in North America, we look at the one element no football game can be without, the ball itself, and the role load cells play in ensuring every ball is practically perfect!
How smart is a FIFA World Cup football?
For the 2026 World Cup, Adidas is supplying their Trionda ball, which uses “Connected Ball Technology” to assist in officiating matches. Each ball contains a sensor which runs off a battery. According to an Adidas spokesperson:
“Each ball is charged on a specialised cradle in the match day venue prior to the game to ensure optimal function for the full game and beyond.
“The ball contains a 500Hz inertial measurement unit motion sensor chip, held in place by a suspension system, which collects and sends data to the VAR system. Its sensors will track each touch and can help make decisions about potential off-sides, handballs, and other common incidents.” (3)
The standard FIFA football
Any ball used in an international match organised by FIFA must meet strict quality criteria, as set out in Law 2 of the Laws of the Game. All balls must be:
- “spherical
- made of suitable material
- of a circumference of between 68 cm (27 ins) and 70 cm (28 ins)
- between 410 g (14 oz) and 450 g (16 oz) in weight at the start of the match
- of a pressure equal to 0.6–1.1 atmosphere (600 –1,100 g/cm2) at sea level (8.5 lbs/sq in–15.6 lbs/sq in)” (1)
There are 70+ licencees who can manufacture FIFA-approved footballs. During their manufacturing and quality assurance processes, each ball is weighed using high-precision strain gauge load cells to weigh each ball, to verify that it falls within the FIFA-mandated boundaries.
Bursting footballs
Yes, apparently this can happen, prompting researchers to look at efficient ways to quality check footballs. According to a paper in the Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science:
“The conveyor system is made for checking the FIFA standard ball specification and it was built portably for easily carry and used in sport shop. The system could operate automatically, thus reducing to the need for worker. This project is expected to reduce injury in football match and also ensure the quality of the ball is guaranteed.” (2)
Smart ball sensors and design
The 2026 series has a sensor embedded into the side of the ball, rather than in its centre. A great little video at the CBBC site (4, yes really) explains more, shows the panel lifted out of the ball, and also explains the benefit of the data gathered to the football fans watching the matches.
“Fans will also be able to get extra data, like which goal had the most spin or was kicked the hardest, or travelled the fastest.” (4)
The 2026 ball’s design references the three host countries (Mexico, USA and Canada) with a red, green and blue colour scheme and iconography including the maple leaf, eagle and star. In addition, as the FIFA website explains:
“A brand-new four-panel construction with fluid geometry replicates the waves referenced in the ball’s name. These panels connect to form a triangle in the centre of the ball in a nod to the historic union of the three host nations.” (6)
(Trionda means “three waves” in Spanish.).
Wind tunnel testing
We also love the fact that the football has been tested in a wind tunnel by a team of researchers in Japan, and that as a result, the ball has:
- “Four-panel design includes deep grooves that create rougher surface for steadier drag coefficient
- Enhanced surface texture may shorten long kicks but allows players to generate more spin on ball.
- An inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion sensor chip that is embedded into one of the ball’s panels, with counterbalancing weights in the other panels.” (5)
More about load cells and the beautiful game
Check out our previous articles on football and load cells.
Wave your flag!
We’re waving flags or England, Scotland and Australia!
In between games, we’ll be designing, packing and delivering our range of quality load cells across the UK and beyond. If you need load cells pronto, or just want to discuss your requirements, do get in touch.
About the author
Chris Beasley is Director of Richmond Industries Ltd, designers and manufacturers of advanced load cells and force transducers for industry, governments and universities all over the world.
RESOURCES:
(1) The International Football Association Board. (2026). Laws of the game 2026/27 (single pages). https://downloads.theifab.com/downloads/laws-of-the-game-202627-single-pages?l=en
(2) Razif, M. R. M., Norazuan, S. A. H. J., Nordin, I. N. A. M., & Hashim, H. (2019). Automated conveyor system for football quality checking. Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 16(1), 216–221. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijeecs.v16.i1.pp216-221
(3) Soto, A. (2026, June 10). Meet the Trionda, the high-tech 2026 World Cup match ball. Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2026-fifa-world-cup-ball-171931236.html
(4) BBC Newsround. (2025). What is special about the 2026 FIFA World Cup ball?https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cqlpnygwkylo
(5) Design News. (2025). Wind tunnel tests show 2026 FIFA Adidas World Cup ball delivers predictable flight for players. https://www.designnews.com/industry/wind-tunnel-tests-show-2026-fifa-adidas-world-cup-ball-delivers-predictable-flight-for-players
(6) FIFA. (2025). FIFA celebrates launch of official match ball for FIFA World Cup 26™: Trionda. https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/media-releases/fifa-celebrates-launch-official-match-ball-world-cup-26-trionda
