FIFA make unusual World Cup change for semi-finals and final

We’re at the business end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, down to just four teams competing for soccer’s biggest prize.

For the rest of the games left to play, FIFA have made a surprising decision to change the ball being used.

In the early goings, the Trionda ball in use was a hot topic of conversation. Goalkeepers were struggling to read the flight of the ball, and it resulted in some cracking long-range efforts which — in normal circumstances — might have been saved.

It’s the first time in the history of the competition that a new ball has been introduced in the latter stages. However, the change seems to be purely aesthetic.

France v Spain: Semi Final - FIFA World Cup 2026 — Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

The Trionda Final switches from multi-colored to black and gold, and features the names of the venues with games still to host — Atlanta, Miami, Dallas and New York.

Adidas released a statement to go along with the release. It read: “TRIONDA FINAL evolves the design of the Official Match Ball while maintaining the same performance-driven construction.

“For the first time in FIFA World Cup™ history, adidas moves beyond a traditional colour update, introducing a dedicated design that reflects the magnitude of the tournament’s closing matches.

“The design of TRIONDA FINAL is inspired by the journey towards football’s ultimate prize. A premium gold finish references the FIFA World Cup™ trophy, set against a black base to elevate the ball’s look and feel, creating a bold and refined visual identity for the final stages of the competition.”

No improvements upon the physical design, then. While some of the players might have welcomed that, the semi-finalists’ biggest stars have been doing just fine with the original.

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FIFA make unusual World Cup change for semi-finals and final