Adidas Unveils 2022 World Cup Official Match Ball

With qualifying for the 2022 World Cup almost complete, adidas has now revealed the official match ball that will be used at the tournament. Titled “Al Rihla,” the ball takes its name from the Arabic word for “the journey” and is inspired by the architecture, boats, and flag of host nation Qatar.

The ball itself has been created following a series of tests in labs, wind tunnels and on pitches, with a focus on accuracy and reliability. This has led to a new panel shape and surface textures, as well as the addition of CTR-CORE — a new core that supports fast and precise play — and the SPEEDSHELL design for accuracy, flight stability and swerve.

Continuing the journey theme, the ball will now visit 10 cities across the world, with adidas launching a series of initiatives in each city, all of which are aimed at improving access and equity in sport. Additionally, 1% of all the net sales from “Al Rihla” will be donated to the Common Goal movement.

Launching the ball, adidas Football Graphics and Hardwear Design Director Franziska Loeffelmann said:

“The game is getting faster, and as it speeds up, accuracy and flight stability becomes critically important. The new design allows the ball to maintain its speed significantly higher as it journeys through the air. For the biggest global stage in all of sport, we set out to make the impossible, possible with radical innovation by creating the fastest and most accurate World Cup ball to-date.”

The “Al Rihla” ball is available now from the adidas web store and retail stores until April 12.

In case you missed it, HYPEBEAST recently sat down with England midfield Declan Rice.