WASHINGTON (Web Desk) – The official match ball for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, manufactured in Pakistan, has completed a unique mission before the start of the global tournament after being tested aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Astronauts conducted a series of experiments using the Adidas-designed Trionda ball to study how football behaves in microgravity. The tests focused on examining how a ball’s balance and centre of mass influence its movement when gravity is removed from the equation.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the experiment recreated a study previously carried out in 2019. Images shared by the agency showed crew members using the official World Cup ball in orbit as part of ongoing scientific research.
NASA said the exercise highlighted how even small differences in a football’s balance can affect its trajectory and overall performance. Researchers believe the findings could provide valuable insights into the design and engineering of modern footballs.
The space agency noted that sports engineers carefully adjust a ball’s internal structure to ensure predictable and consistent movement during matches. Studying the ball in space offers scientists another way to evaluate these characteristics.
The Trionda ball’s journey to the ISS has also drawn attention to Pakistan’s role in global sports manufacturing, as the country remains one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality footballs.
NASA said research conducted aboard the International Space Station continues to support innovations that benefit life on Earth, including advancements in sports technology and equipment design.
