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World Cup: How Connected Ball Technology helped rule out Croatia’s goal against Portugal
03rd July, 2026 08:33 AM
FIFA has explained why Croatia’s goal against Portugal was correctly ruled out for offside in the Round of 32 tie played on Friday, July 3, 2026, with the decision backed by the latest Connected Ball Technology integrated into the official Adidas Trionda match ball used at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
According to data generated by the technology embedded inside the adidas Trionda, Croatia forward Igor Matanović (#20) made contact with the ball during the attacking move that led to the goal. That touch proved crucial, as it confirmed the offside phase of play and enabled the match officials to correctly disallow the goal.
The system relies on an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor located inside the ball, which is capable of detecting even the slightest contact made by a player. The sensor transmits precise data in real time, providing match officials with additional evidence to support key decisions.
For television viewers, the technology is visualized through a distinctive “heartbeat graphic,” which appears during replays to indicate the exact moment the ball is touched. This helps fans better understand the sequence of events behind offside calls and other critical decisions.
Unique features
The FIFA World Cup 2026 features a newly designed official match ball known as TRIONDA, a symbol of unity and innovation that celebrates the historic collaboration between Canada, Mexico, and the United States as co-hosts of football’s biggest tournament.
According to FIFA, the name TRIONDA is derived from the Spanish phrase meaning “three waves,” reflecting the unprecedented partnership of the three North American nations hosting the World Cup together for the first time. The ball’s design incorporates vibrant red, green, and blue colours, each representing one of the host countries.
The official match ball also features a distinctive four-panel construction with flowing geometric patterns that mirror the waves referenced in its name. At the centre of the design, the panels form a triangle, symbolising the coming together of the three nations for the global football spectacle.
Technology continues to play a significant role in modern football, and TRIONDA is no exception. The official match ball is equipped with connected-ball technology, including a sophisticated 500Hz motion sensor chip capable of tracking every movement of the ball in real time.
