FIFA reveals official match ball for World Cup Qatar 2022

FIFA has just unveiled Al Rihla by adidas as the official match ball for the World Cup Qatar 2022.

Al Rihla, which means ‘the journey’ in Arabic, was inspired by the culture, architecture, iconic boats and flag of Qatar.

Its vibrant colours, set on a pearlescent background, are meant to represent the host country as well as the “ever-increasing speed of the game”.

According to FIFA, Al Rihla “travels faster in flight than any other in the tournament’s history, supporting high-speed and high-quality games”.

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The textured PU skin with a new 20-piece panel shape is meant to help with accuracy and reliability on the field of play.

Sustainability was also a major factor in the design of the official match ball, which is the first to be made exclusively with water-based inks and glues.

“This is a stunning, sustainable and high-quality Official Match Ball from adidas that will be enjoyed by stars performing at the top of their game on the world’s biggest stage in Qatar, as well as grassroots players everywhere,” said Jean-François Pathy, FIFA’s director of marketing.

“Al Rihla’s worldwide journey will represent the incredible reach of the FIFA World Cup and give fans a unique opportunity to engage with the event as excitement builds ahead of the big kick-off.”

Al Rihla is the fourteenth successive ball created by adidas for the FIFA World Cup.