🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Trionda ball sparks controversy at World Cup 2026 after Mbappé's goal against Édouard Mendy
via SeneNews5 min read
The Trionda ball, the official ball of the 2026 World Cup designed by Adidas, is facing criticism due to its perceived unpredictable flight behavior, which some observers believe is making it difficult for goalkeepers. This controversy intensified after Kylian Mbappé scored a long-range goal against Senegal, surprising goalkeeper Édouard Mendy despite his attempt to save it. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart noted unusual situations during the tournament where goalkeepers touched the ball but failed to prevent goals, a rare occurrence at this level. Kasper Schmeichel, a former Danish international, attributed these difficulties to the ball's design, specifically its four-panel structure and unique aerodynamic properties affecting its speed and trajectory. Christophe Lollichon, former Chelsea goalkeeping coach, explained that the Trionda ball compresses upon impact and then accelerates in the latter part of its trajectory, making interventions more complex for even experienced goalkeepers. He also cited a goal conceded by Mike Maignan against Senegal, where the French goalkeeper seemingly anticipated an initial trajectory before the ball's spin altered its course. Adidas, however, defends the Trionda's technical qualities, emphasizing its design for improved flight stability and enhanced grip, particularly in challenging weather conditions. The debate continues, with many former goalkeepers suggesting the ball favors attackers, though no official evidence yet directly links i
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