The Times of India

The Season of the long ball: Why FIFA World Cup 2026 is producing the most goals from outside the box in WC history

The 2026 World Cup is witnessing an unprecedented number of long-range goals scored. This surge is attributed to the tournament's varied altitudes and a new football's unique aerodynamics. The Trionda ball's flight characteristics change based on impact points, affecting its speed. Goalkeepers are struggling to adapt to these unpredictable ball movements and faster trajectories. This combination has led to a record-breaking tally of goals from outside the penalty area.