As Sweden faced Tunisia in Monterrey on June 15, the match became notable not only for its score of 5-1 but for an intriguing incident regarding the match ball itself. Late in the game, when Mattias Svanberg scored a goal, the assistant referee raised the flag for offside—a routine occurrence. However, VAR stepped in to review the situation, and instead of relying solely on video feeds, they used data from the Adidas Trionda match ball.
What unique technology within the Adidas Trionda influenced the decision? The Trionda is equipped with a sensor chip that collects data at an impressive rate of 500 readings per second. Developed through collaboration with Kinexon, this chip tracks the ball's acceleration, rotation, and impact in real time. When Alexander Isak made a slight touch on the ball, the sensor captured this critical moment.
This sensor data shifted the timeline for calculating the offside. By recalculating from Isak’s touch rather than the original pass, the officials determined that Svanberg was actually onside, resulting in the goal being upheld.
This event marks a key milestone in the utilization of advanced ball technology, especially as FIFA announced enhancements for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, confirming their commitment to refining officiating with innovative tools. Previously, FIFA introduced connected-ball technology at the 2022 World Cup using the Adidas Al Rihla ball, which provided essential ball positioning data and enhanced VAR capabilities.
Today, the upgraded Trionda maintains this core technology while improving the ball's balance and performance. Notably, the system includes real-time alerts for officials when an offside situation spans more than 10 cm, a useful threshold for distinguishing between marginal discrepancies and clear infractions.
Kinexon’s involvement with this technology is of particular interest as the company focuses on real-time sensor systems across various sports, suggesting potential widespread application for enhanced officiating in international football.