The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a turning point in the history of refereeing. For the first time, the tournament will fully implement the updated Connected Ball Technology, integrated into the official match ball named Trionda. This is not merely a cosmetic update but a fundamental change in how events on the pitch are recorded.
Microelectronics Inside the Ball
The heart of the new system is a miniature sensor weighing only 14 grams, hidden inside the ball. The device operates in real-time, collecting movement data at a frequency of 500 times per second. This speed allows the system to track the ball's flight speed, trajectory, and spin with the highest precision, and, most critically, to record the exact moment of player contact.
Synergy of Data and Artificial Intelligence
Data from the embedded chip does not work in a vacuum. It is combined with information from 12 high-speed cameras installed around the perimeter of the field. Based on this data stream, artificial intelligence instantly generates a three-dimensional model of the action on the field. This model serves as the primary tool to assist referees in making decisions.
Solving Eternal Refereeing Problems
The main goal of implementing this technology is to increase the accuracy of offside determinations. The sensor records the ball pass with precision down to fractions of a second, while cameras simultaneously track the players' positions. This aims to drastically reduce the number of controversial episodes and speed up the referee team's work. The system will also assist in reviewing potential handball incidents and determining whether the ball has crossed the goal line.
Technical Nuances of Operation
Implementing electronics imposes certain requirements on equipment maintenance. Before matches, the balls must be charged: the built-in battery lasts for approximately six hours of continuous operation. When the ball is replaced during a game, the system automatically switches to the new unit, ensuring continuous data collection without loss of information.