The ball is round – and contrary to some keepers’ views, in this World Cup it has performed just fine

Is the Trionda ball being used at the tournament traveling too fast or flying unpredictably? We asked a physicist who tested the ball.

By: John Eric Goff, Purdue University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 10, 2026

Words: 1,032

Last Updated: 3 days, 9 hours ago

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By John Eric Goff, Purdue University

Not every World Cup goal is a classic. Sometimes a half-hearted shot goes in as a result of little more than goalkeeper error. And on those occasions, goalies may be inclined to find an excuse.

During the 2026 tournament, some members of what is jokingly referred to as the “goalkeepers’ union” have pointed toward the performance of the ball. Joe Hart, a former England goalkeeper and serving BBC pundit, …

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