Probably “unventing” this, but I started with the linked pattern, then went smaller…and all in garter stitch…I’ll leave good notes. :)

Made this for the son of someone I don’t know well, but who is apparently knit-worthy. The thank you card read:
“It was very thoughtful of you to make the USA soccer ball for Liam for his Birthday - he loved it and now sleeps with it in his crib! He mentioned what fine knitting work it is and how soft it feels on his face. ‘True craftsmanship,’ I heard him say as he was falling asleep. Thanks for thinking of my son on his birthday!”

Notes:
Mostly I used the pattern for the assembly chart.

White Hexagons - make 20, garter
Cast on 6.
Knit.
(K1, kf&b, k to last 2, kf&b, k1.
Knit 2 rows) 2x - 10sts.
(K1, kf&b, k to last 2, kf&b, k1.
Knit 1 row) 2x - 14 sts.

(K1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1.
Knit 1 rows) 1x - 12 sts.
(K1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1.
Knit 2 row) 2x - 8 sts.
K1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1- 6 sts.
Bind off.

Red and Blue Pentagons - make 6 each
Cast on 6.
Knit.
(K1, kf&b, k to last 2, kf&b, k1.
Knit 2 rows) 2x - 10sts.
(K1, kf&b, k to last 2, kf&b, k1.
Knit 1 row) 2x - 14 sts.

(K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.) 2x
K 1 row. - 10 sts
(K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.) 2x
K 1 row. - 6 sts
K1, k2tog, ssk, k1.
K 1 row. - 4 sts
k2tog, ssk.
K2tog, bind off.

Sew together, as per chart in linked pattern, and stuff fairly firm with fiberfill. :o)