FIFA Women’s World Cup Matildas game: The amazing new technology in the semi final ball
FIFA Women’s World Cup Matildas game: The amazing new technology in the semifinals
- New ball is rolled out for the final of the Women’s World Cup
- The outside of the ball is inspired by the Australian view
The new FIFA World Cup ball looks normal on the outside, but it’s so much more on the inside.
The ball, which will make its debut in tonight’s first semi-final between Spain and Sweden, was unveiled by adidas in Sydney on Monday.
For the first time in FIFA Women’s World Cup history, Connected Ball technology is used in the final stages of the tournament.
Combining player position data with AI, the innovation contributes to FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology and has been instrumental in supporting match decisions.
To improve fans’ overall viewing experience, the technology provides accurate measurement of in-play data – including ball speed, spin and distance the ball traveled before hitting the back of the net for onlookers.
The new FIFA World Cup ball looks normal on the outside, but it’s so much more on the inside
The outside of the ball pays homage to the host nations, Australia and New Zealand.
It features blue and green decoration inspired by the unique Australasian landscape, with imagery referencing New Zealand’s vast mountains and Australia’s connection to the Indian Ocean.
Also inspired by the sunsets of Sydney’s skyline, the final ball is finished with shimmering orange and gold detailing – the latter also representing the ultimate prize of the winner’s trophy.
The updated hues provide a fresh backdrop to the cultural markings – developed by local artists Chern’ee Sutton and Fiona Collis – that will be featured on the ball used for the tournament’s group stage.
Solène Störmann, Global Category Director for Football Hardware at Adidas said: “As the sun sets on the FIFA Women’s World CupTM, it is important to reflect on how remarkable the tournament has been and to honor the moment, with the ball at the center of is in that tournament. celebration.
The ball, which will make its debut in tonight’s first semi-final between Spain and Sweden, was unveiled by adidas in Sydney on Monday.
“This is also a ball focused on tomorrow’s football through a 1% contribution of net sales to initiatives that support the communities that shape the game for the next generation of female footballers.”
She added that all eyes will be on Sydney – and the game-changing ball as the tournament draws to a close.
It is the final of one of the most exciting tournaments in living memory. We can’t wait to see the new OCEAUNZ ball in play on the biggest stage and wish all teams the best of luck in the final stages of the tournament as they compete for the game’s most coveted prize.”