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Why World Cup game balls always make their way back onto the pitch during matches
By Maura Carey, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 8, 2026
· 4 min read
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 curio...
Key takeaway A game ball would definitely be a coveted memento, especially for those who have spent thousands on flights, hotels and 100-level tickets.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , where soccer enthusiasm is growing, the tradition of returning match balls to the pitch during World Cup games may seem puzzling to some fans. Locals who have attended soccer matches at venues in Bexar County may notice a similar expectation to promptly return balls that go out of bounds. The FIFA policy, though rigid, is likely influenced by the need to maintain game flow and prevent delays. For San Antonio residents who have traveled to watch World Cup matches, the experience of catching a game ball, only to be expected to return it, may be a memorable one. The city's own soccer fans may be interested to know that they can purchase official FIFA balls from licensed vendors, a option that may be more practical for those seeking a souvenir. As soccer continues to gain popularity in San Antonio, fans may begin to appreciate the unique traditions and rules that govern the sport.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 curio...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Maura Carey, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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