@scientificamerican: Every World Cup gets its own ball, and this year's design is one of the most radical yet. Called the Trionda, a nod to the tournament's three host countries, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, it's made from just four interlocking panels. That's the fewest panels ever used in a World Cup ball, down from the 20-panel design used in 2022. Behind that change is a surprising amount of math and physics, as engineers try to balance aerodynamics, symmetry, and control to make sure the ball behaves the way players expect on the world's biggest stage. #worldcup2026 #Soccer #physics #math #sports Read more at the 🔗 in bio. Image credit: FIFA, Getty Images, Premier League, Associated Press Illustration: Amanda Montañez Story: Emma R. Hasson