Microchip-Enabled 2026 World Cup Ball Helps Portugal Advance Past Croatia

2026 World Cup ball microchip technology Snicko VAR Portugal Croatia match Ronaldo

The Adidas "Trionda" ball used at the 2026 FIFA World Cup incorporates an embedded microchip that records every player contact.

In the round‑of‑16 match between Portugal and Croatia, VAR officials employed the Snickometer (Snicko) system to analyse the ball’s acoustic signal. The technology showed that Croatian striker Igor Matanovic brushed the ball before it deflected off Portuguese defender Renato Veiga, leading officials to rule the late goal off‑side and disallow it.

The decision secured Portugal’s progression to the next stage, where they will face Spain. The incident underscores the expanding role of ball‑integrated microchip technology—first introduced in 2022—in World Cup officiating.

Sources

This high-tech ball was involved in one of the most dramatic moments in World Cup history [cfjctoday.com]

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This high-tech ball was involved in one of the most dramatic moments in World Cup history [larongenow.com]

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FIFA's Smart Ball Helps Knock Out Croatia - Rhythm FM [rhythm937.com]

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A history of World Cup match balls, from the Telstar to the Adidas balls used in recent tournaments - London Post [london-post.co.uk]

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Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal saved by new VAR technology amid Croatia chaos [www.mirror.co.uk]

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