Al Rihla: Adidas reveals the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is just a few months away. Adidas, the official ball manufacturer of the World Cup has now revealed the “Al Rihla”, the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Al Rihla means “the journey” in Arabic. The design of the ball was inspired by Qatar’s unique architecture, “iconic” boats and national flag. Adidas claims this to be the fastest ball “in flight” in history.

The ball reportedly moves quicker in the air compared to the previous World Cup balls and also provides “the highest level of accuracy and reliability on the field of play”. The ball has 20 panels (FIFA World Cup 2018 official match ball, Telstar 18, had 6 panels) which helps to enhance the aerodynamics and help the players to improve accuracy and swerve of their shots.

Al Rihla: Adidas reveals the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Franziska Loeffelmann, design director in the football graphics and hardwear department at Adidas, said about the Al Rihla: “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.”

The official Adidas website reads: “The official match ball of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, this seamless Adidas Al Rihla Pro ball takes precision to new heights.”

“Its dhow-inspired Speedshell panel shape combines with texturing and diamond debossing to enhance swerve and accuracy. The vibrant graphics shimmer under a pearlescent finish.”

Read: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Teams qualified, Draw pots, Format and Date – Everything you need to know about the holy grail of football