“It’s That Time Again”: Mikaela Shiffrin Teases Excitement for FIFA World Cup 2026 With Official Match Ball

Mikaela Shiffrin has built her reputation by conquering icy slopes at breakneck speed, shattering records, and redefining what it means to be a champion in alpine skiing. But this week, the American superstar showed fans a different side of her sporting enthusiasm—her love for the global game of soccer. In a surprise Instagram post, Shiffrin posed with the official 2026 FIFA World Cup match ball, captioning the shot with an unmistakably playful line: “It’s that time again…LET’S GO TRIONDA! ⚽️ #FIFAWORLDCUP @adidasfootball”

The post instantly caught fire. Within minutes, fans from across the sports world began sharing, commenting, and debating. Was this simply a promotional nod to her sponsor Adidas, the brand behind the newly unveiled “Trionda” match ball, or was Shiffrin hinting at a deeper connection to the upcoming tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026?

What’s certain is this: Shiffrin’s playful crossover into the soccer universe has reminded fans just how far her influence stretches beyond the ski gates. She is, after all, not only the winningest skier in World Cup history but also one of the most recognizable athletes in the world—her image reaching far beyond alpine circles into the broader landscape of global sport.

A Champion With Global Reach

The World Cup, unlike skiing, is a truly universal event. Billions of viewers tune in to watch the drama unfold every four years, making it one of the largest spectacles in all of sport. While skiing commands passionate followings in Europe and North America, soccer occupies an entirely different cultural space. For Shiffrin to step into that world, even briefly, signals her awareness of just how interconnected modern sport has become.

Her caption—“It’s that time again”—suggests more than casual interest. The wording gave fans the impression that Shiffrin has been counting down the days like so many others around the globe. Some fans immediately speculated that she could appear in promotional campaigns, attend games, or even play an ambassadorial role when the World Cup comes to the United States.

“She’s the biggest American skier ever. Having her attached to the World Cup in any way would be huge,” one fan commented on Twitter. Another added, “If Mikaela shows up at a match, the stadium will erupt. She’s a sports icon.”

Adidas, Branding, and Timing

Context is important here: Shiffrin is an Adidas athlete. She signed a multi-year partnership with the German sportswear giant in 2020 after leaving long-time sponsor Atomic. Adidas, of course, is not only a major force in global sport but also the official supplier of World Cup match balls—a tradition dating back to 1970.

The Trionda, unveiled earlier this year, is designed with both heritage and innovation in mind. Named after the tri-nation hosting of the 2026 tournament, it features sleek panels with aerodynamic improvements aimed at creating more consistent flight and control. It was only natural that Adidas would call on some of its most recognizable athletes across different sports to showcase the ball.

For Shiffrin, this created a perfect crossover opportunity. She doesn’t need to kick a ball professionally to celebrate the energy and excitement that surrounds the tournament. By holding the Trionda, she bridges two sporting cultures: the icy intensity of alpine racing and the global passion of football.

Fan Reaction: Excitement, Humor, and Curiosity

The post sparked waves of reaction, ranging from pure excitement to light-hearted humor. On Instagram, one fan joked, “Imagine Shiffrin doing slalom with the match ball at halftime. Nobody would ever get the ball back.” Another wrote, “First she dominates skiing, next she’ll take on Messi.”

Others took a more sentimental approach, noting how inspiring it was to see an American sports icon embracing soccer ahead of the first World Cup to be hosted in the United States since 1994. “It feels like she’s one of us,” one fan said. “She loves what we love, and that makes her even more relatable.”

The curiosity, however, quickly turned into speculation. Some wondered whether Shiffrin could be slated to appear in opening ceremonies or special events tied to the World Cup. While there is no evidence yet that she has an official role beyond the Adidas tie-in, the very possibility was enough to energize fans.

A Rare Glimpse Into Shiffrin’s Playful Side

Part of the buzz around Shiffrin’s post comes from the fact that she has often kept her social media presence carefully balanced between professionalism and glimpses of her personality. Unlike some athletes who thrive on constant self-exposure, Shiffrin tends to share more selectively—training footage, reflections on competition, or moments of support for her partner Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.

That’s why this soccer-themed post stood out. It was lighthearted, celebratory, and fun—showing that the greatest skier of all time can also get swept up in the excitement of the world’s most beloved tournament.

“She’s always so focused and serious about skiing,” said one longtime fan. “It’s awesome to see her having fun with something outside her sport. It makes her more human.”

A Wider Trend: Athletes Crossing Sports Worlds

Shiffrin isn’t the first elite athlete to step into a different sporting universe. Over the years, tennis stars have celebrated basketball playoffs, NFL players have flocked to the NBA Finals, and Olympians have popped up courtside at soccer matches. The crossover appeal works both ways: fans of one sport are introduced to stars from another, broadening the reach of both.

In Shiffrin’s case, her post comes at a perfect time. The countdown to 2026 is already underway, with anticipation building across North America. The United States, which has seen soccer’s popularity skyrocket in recent years thanks to Major League Soccer’s growth and global icons like Lionel Messi joining American clubs, will be at the heart of the tournament. For Adidas to tap into an athlete like Shiffrin—who resonates strongly with U.S. audiences and embodies excellence—makes perfect sense.

Looking Ahead

Whether this moment was a one-off promotional flash or a hint of bigger things to come remains to be seen. But what’s undeniable is the enthusiasm Shiffrin brought to the post. Her words—“It’s that time again”—captured the sense of anticipation millions around the globe feel as the world’s biggest sporting event approaches.

For fans, it was also a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes are still sports lovers at heart. Mikaela Shiffrin may have more skiing victories than anyone in history, but when the World Cup rolls around, she’s just like the rest of us: a fan excited to see the best in the world take the field.

As one follower commented beneath her post: “You’re the GOAT on the slopes, Mikaela, but it’s great to know you’re also one of us—counting down to kickoff.”