Al Rihla, the official match ball for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was revealed on Friday. It is the 14th consecutive ball that Adidas has manufactured for the FIFA World Cup, designed to aid the game at high speed as it travels faster in flight than any other World Cup ball.
Al Rihla translates as ‘the journey’ in Arabic and has been influenced by the architecture, iconic boats, and the flag of Qatar. The ball was outlined with the environment at its heart and is the first World Cup ball manufactured using only water-based inks and glues.
“Designed after rigorous testing in adidas labs, wind tunnels, and on-pitch, Al Rihla provides the highest level of accuracy and reliability on the field of play, due in part to its new panel shape and surface textures.
An innovative core within the ball is tuned to improve accuracy and consistency, supporting fast, precise play with maximum shape and air retention.”
“The ball’s polyurethane (PU) skin featuring micro and macro textures and a new 20-piece panel shape enhances aerodynamics to improve the accuracy, flight stability and swerve of shots,’ stated the company in a statement.
Al Rihla is the first World Cup ball in the period of 92-year of the tourney which will directly conduce to raising funds to positively affect lives across the world, with 1 % of Al Rihla’s net sales straight away going to the Common Goal movement, the release stated.
