A groundbreaking collaboration blends football, culture and technology as Trionda takes over WhatsApp conversations worldwide
As excitement builds ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, adidas and WhatsApp have unveiled an innovative collaboration that brings the world’s biggest sporting event directly into fans’ daily conversations.
The Football Emoji Gets a World Cup Upgrade
From 8 June 2026 and throughout the tournament, WhatsApp users who send the football emoji will see it transformed into Trionda, the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Match Ball. The digital activation marks a unique fusion of sport, culture and technology, connecting billions of football fans worldwide through one of the most-used symbols in the game.
Designed by adidas, Trionda will take centre stage throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026™, appearing in WhatsApp chats whenever supporters share match predictions, celebrate goals, debate team selections or react to unforgettable tournament moments.
Sam Handy, General Manager of Football at adidas, says the collaboration offers a fresh way for fans to engage with the sport’s biggest global spectacle.
“We have the long-standing privilege of creating the one product that will be at the centre of every game, goal and moment during the tournament – the Trionda. With football conversations expected to reach unprecedented levels during FIFA World Cup 2026™, we are thrilled to partner with WhatsApp to bring Trionda into every conversation, celebration, prediction and debate on the platform.”
Meet Trionda: The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Ball
WhatsApp’s Head of Product, Alice Newton-Rex, highlighted the growing role of digital conversations in shaping the fan experience.
“Football fans turn to their WhatsApp group chats for the biggest moments. Four years ago, WhatsApp reached over 25 million messages per second during the final. We’re expecting even bigger moments this summer, and our partnership with adidas means fans will see Trionda – the Official Match Ball – right in their conversations.”
The name Trionda combines “Tri”, meaning three, and “Onda”, meaning waves, paying tribute to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ host nations: Canada, Mexico and the United States. The ball introduces an innovative four-panel construction engineered for elite performance while reflecting the spirit of unity between the three countries.
Its distinctive design incorporates flowing wave-inspired geometry, while red, blue and green accents converge into triangular formations that symbolise the coming together of the host nations on football’s grandest stage.
adidas Expands Its World Cup 2026 Collection
The launch forms part of adidas’ wider FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign, which includes home and away kits for 14 participating national teams, the new ‘Road to Glory’ football boot collection featuring the ultra-light F50 Hyperfast Evo, and an extensive lifestyle range spanning adidas Originals apparel, footwear and special collaborations.
The brand has also expanded its cultural footprint through partnerships with names such as Thrasher Magazine and KITH, alongside the launch of an official pet collection and its ‘Backyard Legends’ campaign celebrating the joy of football through music, culture and sport.
How Fans Can Join the Conversation
Fans can access the Trionda emoji directly within WhatsApp and join more than 230 million followers on the platform’s official channel for exclusive football-focused content throughout the tournament.
The adidas Trionda Official Match Ball is available from adidas retail stores, selected retailers and online.
