The football (okay, football, we hear you) emoji has officially received an upgrade on WhatsApp. Starting Monday, June 8, whenever fans send the said response on the messaging and calling application, they will see the Trionda, the official match ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Adidas, the makers of Trionda, are pleased to have signed a partnership with WhatsApp. Sam Handy, general manager of football at Adidas, said: “We have the long-standing privilege of creating the one product that will be at the heart of every match, every goal and every moment during the tournament: the Trionda. With football conversations expected to reach unprecedented levels during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we are excited 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 will enable millions of fans allows you to interact with the official match ball in a fun, authentic and completely new way.”
The update is intended to remain in effect throughout the quadrennial showpiece event, which is jointly hosted by the US, 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 more than 25 million messages per second during the finals. We expect even bigger moments this summer, and our partnership with Adidas means fans will see Trionda – the official match ball – straight into their conversations.»
WhatsApp also said on its blog that it has introduced new football call effects on group video calls and a football-themed sticker pack.
Meanwhile, Adidas has also launched home and away shirts for 14 national teams. These will be complemented by a special range of boots created for the athletes at the tournament with the unveiling of the ‘Road to Glory’ pack, including the F50 Hyperfast Evo, the brand’s lightest football boot.
Published on June 11, 2026
