From Sialkot to the FIFA World Cup: the Pakistani factory behind four straight match balls

By Akhtar Pathan

SIALKOT, Pakistan (MNTV) — The Adidas “Trionda,” the official match ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was made here in Sialkot — the latest in a line of World Cup balls to roll off the production floor of a single Pakistani company.

Every four years, when the world’s best footballers step onto the sport’s biggest stage, millions focus on the players, coaches and stadiums. Few stop to consider where the ball at the center of the action was made. For four consecutive World Cups, the answer has been the same: this industrial city long known as the heart of Pakistan’s sports-goods industry.

The company behind that run is Forward Sports Private Limited, which has emerged as one of the world’s leading football manufacturers. Producing approximately 20.5 million balls annually and about 1.5 million each month, it has transformed itself from a modest family enterprise into a global supplier trusted by some of the biggest names in sports.

The company’s journey began in 1991 when Khawaja Masood Akhtar, a civil engineer by training, founded Forward Sports with just 50 employees. Entering the highly competitive football manufacturing industry was far from an obvious career choice.

After graduating as an engineer, Akhtar secured a position with Pakistan Railways. At the same time, his uncle operated a sports goods business in Sialkot and encouraged him to join the industry.

“I never imagined I would end up manufacturing footballs,” Akhtar recalled. “I had no experience in the industry, but I had a technical mindset and a close relationship with my uncle, so I accepted the challenge.”

He initially worked as a production manager before becoming production director at Capital Sports, one of two companies created after the family business was divided. Encouraged by his uncle to establish an independent venture, Akhtar launched Forward Sports.

The company started in a single room with limited resources and a small workforce, producing footballs primarily for American buyers. Success did not come immediately. In its early years, production stood at roughly 1,000 balls per month, and the company struggled to gain recognition in an industry dominated by established manufacturers.

Everything changed in 1994 when Adidas became a customer.

“A major breakthrough came when Adidas partnered with us,” Akhtar said. “From that point onward, I never looked back. There were setbacks, failures and difficult periods, but with hard work and perseverance we continued moving forward.”

That partnership opened doors to international markets and laid the foundation for decades of growth.

“What began as a modest operation has become a source of pride not only for us but for Pakistan as a whole,” Akhtar said.

Four World Cups and counting

Forward Sports’ association with FIFA began in 2014 when it was selected to produce the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It was the first time the company had been entrusted with developing football’s most iconic piece of equipment.

The partnership continued in 2018, 2022 and now 2026, making Forward Sports the manufacturer of the official match ball for four consecutive FIFA World Cups.

The name “Trionda,” derived from Spanish and meaning “three waves,” reflects the 2026 tournament’s three host nations — the United States, Mexico and Canada. Manufactured in Sialkot, the ball features a four-panel design with deep grooves and graphics incorporating symbols associated with the host countries, including stars, a green eagle and a maple leaf.

For Akhtar, producing the official World Cup ball remains one of the highest honors in the football manufacturing industry.

Innovation as a competitive advantage

From the beginning, Akhtar believed that innovation would determine whether the company survived.

The firm started by producing traditional hand-stitched footballs before transitioning to thermo-bonded technology in 2007. It later expanded into machine-stitched footballs, laminated-football technology and airless mini-balls.

“Technology changes everything,” Akhtar said. “Football manufacturing was changing too. If we had not adapted, we would have been left behind.”

That philosophy continues to shape the company today.

Forward Sports employs dedicated research and development teams focused on product innovation, manufacturing efficiency and emerging technologies.

“One of the biggest reasons we reached this level is our investment in R&D,” Akhtar said. “Every day when I go to the factory, the first place I visit is our research and development department.”

The company has invested heavily in automation, laser-cutting systems and advanced German machinery to increase efficiency and reduce production times.

“In the early years, our delivery time was around 90 days,” Akhtar said. “We gradually reduced our lead times to 60 days, then 45 days, then 30 days and eventually as low as 15 days.”

Automation not only improved speed but also enhanced product quality and consistency.

“We changed our entire production system,” he said. “Automation increased our speed, improved quality and reduced costs.”

Competing with global giants

Innovation became particularly important as Forward Sports sought to compete against manufacturers in China.

“Chinese manufacturers are exceptionally strong in production and business operations,” Akhtar said. “To compete successfully against them requires constant innovation, discipline and commitment to quality.”

The company’s efforts earned international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it received awards for manufacturing speed and delivery performance.

“Our company was recognized for speed in manufacturing and deliveries,” he said. “Receiving that award demonstrated that we could compete with the best in the world.”

Footballs produced by the company undergo extensive testing for durability, water resistance, temperature tolerance and overall performance before reaching international markets.

Today, Forward Sports manufactures around 50,000 balls per day and has the capacity to increase output to approximately 75,000 balls daily.

Beyond footballs, the company produces volleyballs, handballs, futsal balls, beach balls, indoor balls, medicine balls, shoes and other sporting accessories.

Women at the center of growth

While technology and innovation have driven expansion, Akhtar believes people remain the company’s greatest asset.

A significant portion of the workforce consists of women, whose contributions have played a major role in the company’s success.

“One of the most important reasons behind our growth has been our focus on empowering women,” he said. “Some of the finest football stitching and manufacturing work has been carried out by women workers.”

To encourage female participation, the company introduced transportation services, workplace improvements, healthcare support and complaint-resolution systems aimed at creating a safe and respectful working environment.

“Our human resources policy is based on dignity and respect,” Akhtar said. “Women have played a major role in our success. When given opportunities and respect, they deliver outstanding results.”

Lessons in business and life

Despite building one of Pakistan’s most successful sports-goods companies, Akhtar insists there is no secret formula behind his achievements.

“There is no secret formula behind success,” he said. “Like any export-oriented business, we face numerous challenges. To compete internationally, companies must meet strict standards of quality, consistency and timely delivery.”

He credits much of his success to family support, personal discipline and faith.

Asked how he defines himself, Akhtar offered a simple answer.

“First, I am a human, then a Muslim and Pakistani. After that, I am a businessman.”

Beyond manufacturing, he has also contributed to community development and business leadership, having served as president of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry and currently serving as chairman of the Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association, head of Sialkot Medical City Limited (SMCL) and several public welfare projects.

Yet he remains focused on the future.

He argues that Pakistan’s long-term economic growth depends on research, innovation, skilled human resources and a business environment free from excessive bureaucracy.

“Countries that invest in technology, research and efficient systems will continue to move ahead,” he said. “Pakistan has the talent and potential to do the same if we are willing to adapt and modernize.”

No shortcuts, no giving up

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Akhtar’s advice is rooted in experience.

“Success requires hard work, patience and consistency. There are no shortcuts,” he said.

He encourages young graduates to gain practical experience before launching their own ventures and recommends starting with small-scale trading rather than immediately entering manufacturing.

“Product knowledge, market knowledge and strong business connections are essential,” he said.

Equally important, he added, is financial discipline.

“In the beginning, avoid offering credit. Never sell on 60- or 90-day payment terms to unknown clients.”

Asked whether he ever considered giving up, Akhtar paused before answering.

“Business is not a straight path,” he said. “Sometimes you lose, sometimes you gain. Instead of giving up, you need to identify the problems, adjust your approach and continue moving forward.”

Today, as the company’s second generation assumes greater responsibility, Akhtar remains optimistic about the future.

He summed up his philosophy with a phrase that guided him from a single-room startup to the world stage:

“Anything is possible when there is will. Where there is a will, there is a way.”

For the man whose footballs now roll across World Cup pitches and into sporting history, that belief has become much more than a slogan. It has become a blueprint for success.