What's inside a World Cup ball?

The World Cup action starts with a ball, and there's more inside than you might think. Pressed, cut and tightly wound — this is how a football bladder takes shape. In Tongcheng County, Central China's Hubei Province, factories have produced 20 million bladders for the 2026 World Cup product line. Known as the ball's "heart," the bladder affects bounce, shape and durability. Each batch is tested for rebound, strength and impact resistance. Local manufacturers now hold nine invention patents and 18 utility-model patents. A tiny football "heart," powered by Chinese innovation.