The official account of the International Football Association "FIFA" (FIFA) revealed the official ball for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which it called "The Journey" to accompany the participating teams in the 64 matches that the tournament will witness.
"We present to you the trip, the official match ball for the 2022 World Cup," the International Federation wrote in a statement on its official website, and explained that it is the 14th ball in a row that Adidas makes specifically for the World Cup.
32 teams, one ball to turn their dreams into reality
Introducing "The Journey", the official ball in the 2022 World Cup
The countdown to Qatar begins now #Qatar 2022 |
@adidasFootball pic.twitter.com/j84YZmFIOL
— @fifaworldcup_ar 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_ar) March 30, 2022
The Federation indicated that the new ball is characterized by its ability to move in the air faster than any other ball in the history of the tournament, and "was designed using data and rigorous tests in Adidas laboratories, wind tunnels and on pitches, and tested by a number of football players, and is characterized by the highest levels of accuracy." and reliability thanks to its new design and surface texture.
He stated that the core of the ball provides the ball with speed, accuracy, consistency of movement and stability in the air, in addition to the accuracy of rebound, and a textured synthetic leather consisting of 20 pieces has been adopted with a new design that helps improve the accuracy and stability of the ball during flight.
32 teams.
1 ball to make their dreams possible.
Introducing Al Rihla, the Official World Cup 2022 Match Ball.
Your journey starts now.
Exclusively available at adidas online and retail stores until April 12th.
pic.twitter.com/uMys1dorIZ
— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) March 30, 2022
"With the increased pace of play and faster movement, accuracy and stability of the ball become paramount, and the new design of this ball will enhance its ability to maintain its speed as it moves through the air," said Francesca Lovellmann, adidas design director.
"For the biggest sporting event in the world, we set out to make the impossible possible through the radical innovation of the fastest and most accurate World Cup ball to date," said Lovellmann.
According to FIFA, the ball was dubbed the "journey" because it was "inspired by the culture, architecture and boats of Qatar, in addition to its national flag," and represented "the dark and vibrant colors on the pearly background of the host country."
The federation stated that sustainability was a priority while designing the ball, which is the first World Cup ball to be made exclusively from water-based inks and adhesives.