The soccer (okay, football, we hear you) emoji has officially received an upgrade on WhatsApp. Starting Monday, June 8, whenever fans send the said reaction on the messaging and calling application, they will see the Trionda, official match ball of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Adidas, the makers of Trionda, are excited to have signed a partnership with WhatsApp. Sam Handy, general manager football at Adidas, says, “We have the long-standing privilege of creating the one product that will be at the centre of every game, goal and moment during the tournament – the Trionda. With football conversations expected to reach unprecedented levels during FIFA World Cup 2026, we are thrilled to partner with WhatsApp to bring Trionda into every conversation, celebration, prediction and debate on the platform. The FIFA World Cup is the biggest stage in sport, and this partnership allows millions of fans to interact with the Official Match Ball in a fun, authentic and completely new way.”
The update is meant to stay for the entirety of the quadrennial showpiece being jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
READ: FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar still absent from Brazil training as squad celebrates Ancelotti’s birthday
Alice Newton-Rex, head of product at WhatsApp, said: “Football fans turn to their WhatsApp group chats for the biggest moments. Four years ago, WhatsApp reached over 25 million messages per second during the final. We’re expecting even bigger moments this summer, and our partnership with Adidas means fans will see Trionda – the Official Match Ball – right in their conversations.”
WhatsApp, via its blog, also informed it has additionally introduced new football calling effects on group video calls and a football-themed sticker pack.
Adidas, meanwhile, has also launched home and away jerseys for 14 national teams. These are complemented by a special range of boots made for its athletes at the tournament with the reveal of the ‘Road to Glory’ pack, which includes the F50 Hyperfast Evo, the brand’s lightest football boot.
Published on Jun 11, 2026
