Goalkeepers struggle with tricky Trionda World Cup ball at tournament
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 4:00 AM
Last updated Jun 25, 2026

Several goalkeepers are facing difficulties at the World Cup due to the performance of the Trionda ball. Algeria's Luca Zidane has conceded five goals across two matches, including shots from Lionel Messi and Jordan's Nizar al-Rashdan that slipped through his hands. Senegal's Édouard Mendy and Iraq’s Ahmed Basil have also struggled, getting their hands on shots but failing to stop them. An academic paper supports concerns about the ball's unpredictable movement, echoing Joe Hart’s earlier remarks.
- •Luca Zidane has conceded five goals in two matches.
- •Zidane let in goals from Lionel Messi and Nizar al-Rashdan.
- •Édouard Mendy and Ahmed Basil also had difficulties with the ball.
- •Concerns about the Trionda ball's movement are supported by research.
- •Joe Hart previously expressed doubts about the ball's reliability.
- 4:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Goalkeepers beware: Trionda World Cup ball hits ‘crisis’ point at certain speed
"Some, like Luca Zidane, have been bamboozled and an academic paper bears out Joe Hart’s opinion about its movement Poor old Luca Zidane. The Algeria goalkeeper has had a turbulent time. In two matches he has conceded five goals, and a pair of them – first from Lionel Messi, then, more embarrassing, from Jordan’s Nizar al-Rashdan – have gone through his fingers. No doubt he has received messages of support from his father – at least he hasn’t butted anybody – but it is hardly the ideal performance on the world’s biggest stage. But Zidane is not alone. Senegal’s Édouard Mendy and Iraq’s Ahmed Basil have got their hands to shots, but been unable to stop them. Is something going on? Continue reading...
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