Leaked 2018 World Cup ball's design is criticized, deemed one of the most unattractive in history
The design for the official tournament ball of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup has been unveiled, and it's causing quite a stir. Known as the 'Trionda', this ball, manufactured by Adidas, is expected to be used for the most commercial World Cup yet, which is just nine months away.
The 'Trionda' ball design features a unique blend of colours and emblems, incorporating red, blue, and green - colours synonymous with the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the co-hosts of the 2026 tournament. The ball also boasts stars, maple leaves, and Aztec symbols, paying homage to the host nations' cultures.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the design. Some have criticised it as an eyesore, describing it as a mess that overwhelms the limited canvas. Comparisons have been drawn to Homer Simpson's car design in the Simpsons episode 'Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?'.
Each World Cup ball shares a similar design template, aiming to tell the story of the host nation for the tournament. The 'Tricolore' was used at France 1998, while the Mexican styling was a feature of the 1986 Azteca ball. The Roman-influenced Etrusco Unico was used at Italia 90.
Interestingly, FIFA did not create separate official balls for each co-host of the 2026 World Cup. Instead, the company responsible for manufacturing the official footballs, Adidas, has been the long-term partner and official supplier of match balls for FIFA World Cups since 1956. They are also responsible for the iconic Adidas Telstar ball, associated with the 1970 World Cup.
Despite the criticism, no official statement has been made by FIFA regarding the controversy surrounding the 'Trionda' ball design. As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, it will be interesting to see how the design evolves and how it is received by fans and players alike.
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