The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here! As teams compete for one of the most coveted trophies in sports, we have our eye on a sphere that will determine the game's outcome for all, the Trionda ball. Besides its visually appealing design, the FIFA World Cup ball takes on "seemingly small changes" every four years that influence its flight.
Internationally recognized for his analyses of World Cup footballs and Tour de France performances, physicist John Eric Goff spoke with associate editor Nicholas Gerbis. They discussed how changes like seam number, depth, length, and surface texture can alter the flight and drag of a football. Goff also touched on some of the latest advances in using electronics and AI to aid referees in making calls such as offside.
Read the May-June 2025 cover article "Balls in the Air" for more.
This interview was recorded on April 30, 2026.
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