The FIFA World Cup kicks off today in North America, as qualifying teams compete for the sport's most coveted prize: The World Cup trophy.

Not to be overlooked, the commemorative ball is more than eye-catching visual design. Its surfaces can comprise different numbers of panels, new textural elements, and seams that vary in depth, width, and length. 

In this extended interview of cover story "Balls in the Air," associate editor Nicholas Gerbis converses with physicist John Eric Goff about how such surface factors affect drag—and how that football-slowing force can suddenly change at certain speeds.

Recorded on April 30, 2026.

This episode is produced and edited by Nwabata Nnani and hosted by Nicholas Gerbis.

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