Adidas unveiled the 2022 World Cup Official Match Ball which is titled “Al Rihla”. The ball takes its name from the Arabic word for “the journey” and is inspired by the architecture of boats and the flag of the host nation, Qatar.
The sportswear manufacturer has unveiled its 14th ball created for the international tournament. Which the company claims to be the fastest ball “in flight” in the history of the competition.
The Al Rihla is said to move quicker in the air than any of the previous World Cup balls and reportedly provides “the highest level of accuracy and reliability on the field of play”.
The Al Rihla was made purely from water-based inks and glues, a first for a World Cup model, and the launch of the ball marks the beginning of a global tour for Adidas to help “improve access and equity” for local football communities.
One percent of all Al Rihla sales will be donated to the Common Goal movement, with the ball officially available for purchase exclusively via adidas.com and the company’s retail stores from March 30.