Spain reaches 2026 World Cup final as FIFA unveils new 'Trionda Final' ball for semis

Spain's national team has advanced to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing its second appearance in a title match. The side, which previously won its only World Cup in 2010 by beating the Netherlands 1‑0 in Johannesburg, will face the winner of the England‑Argentina semifinal. Spain entered the tournament as reigning European champions and overcame a surprise 1‑0 loss to Switzerland early in the group stage.

For the knockout stage, FIFA introduced the "Trionda Final" ball, a specially designed sphere for the semifinals, third‑place match and final. The ball features a black base with gold, red and pink accents and carries the names of host cities—Dallas, Atlanta, Miami and New York/New Jersey—on its surface. It retains the internal Connected Ball sensor that transmits touch data to VAR at 500 Hz, a technology also used in earlier matches. The new ball debuted in the Spain‑France semifinal in Dallas and will be used in the England‑Argentina clash in Atlanta, the third‑place game, and the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.