An object traveling at high speeds can indeed catch fire due to friction, particularly if it reaches a velocity that generates enough heat to exceed the ignition point of its material. For a soccer ball, the critical speed would depend on its construction material, such as leather, and the temperature at which it ignites. Airplanes experience significant heating at around Mach 2 (1400 mph), suggesting that a soccer ball would need to reach a similarly high speed to catch fire. However, the discussion clarifies that tracer rounds ignite not from friction but from their chemical composition, indicating that not all fast-moving objects catch fire in the same way. Understanding the specific conditions and materials involved is crucial in determining the speed required for ignition.