Pakistan envoy gifts FIFA World Cup football 'Trionda' to US IDFC chief

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, presented US International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) Chief Executive Benjamin Black with the official FIFA World Cup 2026 football, Trionda, as a gift symbolising Pakistan’s manufacturing potential, state-run Radio Pakistan said on Wednesday.

“Pakistan’s continued selection as the manufacturer of the tournament’s official match ball is a matter of pride for the country,” Sheikh said during his meeting with Black in Washington.

Black praised the quality of the Trionda football and reaffirmed the DFC’s commitment to continuing its partnership in support of Pakistan’s socio-economic development and infrastructure improvement.

Sheikh also welcomed the US DFC’s interest in investing in key sectors of Pakistan’s economy.

Read More: Pakistan's ambassador to US gifts 'Trionda' football to World Bank president

The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and explored investment opportunities in Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure, ports, minerals and information technology sectors.

The ambassador said a strong economic partnership would “underwrite and lend longevity” to the increasingly important bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United States.

They also reviewed progress on ongoing and potential projects and agreed to nominate dedicated focal points to ensure steady progress by prioritising areas of engagement.

Last week, Pakistan’s envoy also presented the “Trionda” football to World Bank (WB) President Ajay Banga during a meeting, highlighting the country's globally recognised sports goods industry.

“Had the distinct pleasure of presenting a Trionda football - proudly made in Pakistan - to World Bank President Ajay Banga,” the ambassador said in a post on social media platform X.

WB Alternate Executive Director Dr Kazim Niaz was also present when the football was presented to the WB president as a token of appreciation.

The football’s name Trionda (meaning three waves in Spanish) symbolises the three host nations of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026: Canada, Mexico and the United States.

According to 122-year-old FIFA, the Trionda football features a four-panel design for improved flight stability, an embossed surface for enhanced grip in wet conditions, and connected ball technology with a 500Hz motion sensor that provides real-time data to the assistant referee system, “enhancing match officials’ decision-making, including in relation to offside incidents.”