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–Sialkot firm to produce adidas TRIONDA for 104 matches
BeNewz Report
SIALKOT: Pakistan’s Forward Sports has secured the contract to manufacture the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026, reaffirming Sialkot’s global dominance in high-quality football production.
The company will produce the ball named TRIONDA, designed by Adidas, for all 104 matches of the expanded tournament to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The design reflects the identity of the three host nations, combining red, white, blue, and green colors with visual elements inspired by national symbols.
TRIONDA introduces a four-panel connected structure aimed at improving aerodynamics, accuracy, and flight consistency. The design builds on innovations used in previous World Cup balls, including Al Rihla for the 2022 tournament, which was also produced in Sialkot.
Forward Sports has a long-standing relationship with global football manufacturing, having supplied official match balls for the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups. Industry data shows that Sialkot produces nearly 70% of the world’s hand-stitched footballs, making it a critical hub for international sports brands.
Company representatives said the new contract reflects continued trust in Pakistani craftsmanship and technical precision. They added that the workforce in Sialkot has consistently met strict international quality standards required by FIFA and global partners.
Pakistan’s sports goods sector is a key export contributor, generating over $400 million annually, according to recent trade estimates [verify]. A large portion of this revenue comes from football manufacturing, with Sialkot employing thousands of skilled workers in stitching, molding, and quality testing processes.
The selection of Forward Sports comes as global demand for high-performance sports equipment continues to rise. FIFA has increasingly emphasized innovation in ball technology, including embedded sensors and enhanced panel designs, to improve match performance and officiating accuracy.
Government officials and industry leaders have welcomed the development, calling it a boost to Pakistan’s export profile and manufacturing reputation. Analysts say such contracts also create employment opportunities and strengthen supply chains linked to international sporting events.
Sialkot’s sports industry has evolved over decades from small-scale manual production to a technologically advanced export sector. The city gained global recognition after producing the Telstar ball for the 1982 FIFA World Cup and has since remained a preferred sourcing destination for leading brands.
Each TRIONDA ball will undergo rigorous testing under FIFA’s quality protocols before being shipped to host venues in North America. These standards include checks for weight, water absorption, shape retention, and flight stability to ensure uniform performance during matches.
The 2026 tournament will be the largest in FIFA history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, significantly increasing demand for official equipment. This expansion is expected to generate higher production volumes and export earnings for manufacturers involved in the supply chain.
