Sweden Netherlands WCup Soccer

A Sweden fan returns a football that landed on the stands during the World Cup Group F soccer match between the Netherlands and Sweden in Houston, Saturday, June 20, 2026.

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Why World Cup game balls always make their way back onto the pitch during matches

Why World Cup game balls always make their way back onto the pitch during matches

Game balls for World Cup matches have become stars in their own right during the tournament. The ball has made headlines with its embedded technology and raised questions among fans, including: Why is everyone expected to promptly toss the ball back onto the pitch? It’s a question more out of curiosity than an outcry for change. Catching a baseball in the stands during a game and taking the souvenir home is one of the cherished traditions of America's favorite pastime. FIFA requires that any ball leaving the field be returned. Soccer historian Charles Cuttone explains that this has always been the norm, partly due to the ball's cost and technology. Despite the technology, some fans feel they should keep the ball, especially after spending heavily on attending the event.