Why Fifa introduced a new World Cup ball for the semi-finals and final

• Fifa has released a new ball for the last four matches of the World Cup, including England ’s semi-final against Argentina .
• The ball, called the Trionda Final, will be used for the semi-finals, third-placed play-off (bronze final) and the final, and replaces the Trionda Official match ball, which was utilised for the previous games of the tournament.
• The Trionda Final celebrates the 16 World Cup host cities, Fifa says. Dallas, Atlanta, Miami and New York New Jersey are prominently featured in the main blocking of the design as hosts of the final four games, football’s governing body added.
• “For the final four matches of the tournament, this Trionda Final will be at the feet of the best players on the planet. Through every touch, dribble, flick, pass, cross, save, strike and goal, the 16 cities that have helped Fifa stage the record-breaking 23rd edition of the tournament will be further etched into Fifa World Cup folklore,” Fifa president Gianni Infantino said.
• The ball also has the latest evolution of Adidas’ Connected Ball Technology, which uses ball data in real time to support referee’s decision-making and enhance in-game insights.