Author: Andres Felipe Ramos
The ball, like the playing fields and uniforms, has evolved over the years for the comfort of the players.
During the championship, the competition ball is adapted to the needs of high-level competition. Many materials have been implemented and designs developed.
From Ballon T and Tientoused in orbital dating of 1930In Uruguayunless Al Rihla in Qatar 2022This object has been strengthened, from the basic materials for its preparation, to the implementation of new techniques for the comfort of the players and to facilitate the arbitration function.
Plus, World Cup fever also makes it one of the fan favorite products, which is why it’s appreciated in commerce in the same way as a soccer jersey or a pair of cleats.
right to grow They also earned it as with the rest of the official games, playing fields and stadiums.
world cup balls
Uruguay 1930: Ball T and Tiento
There was no official ball in the first tournament. There was a clash in the final between Argentina and Uruguay as each team wanted to play with their own ball. Charrousse had Ball T and Gauchos Tiento, so they chose to play with each ball one at a time.
Italy 1934: Federal 102
The first official ball was used in this tournament. It was a leather ball with rectangular sections. It was made by a private company and not a brand specialized in sports equipment.
France 1938: Allan
It had rectangular leather sections, this time the animal bladder was replaced with a valve to inflate it more easily.
Brazil 1950: Super Ball Duplo T
The final ball is kept at the American Soccer Museum in the United States. The fill valve is retained, has a more tanned leather, firmer seam that makes it more rounded and lighter.
Souza 1954: Swiss Champion
T-shaped leather segments were used. The seams were internal for the first time and attracted attention due to the color being orange.
Sweden 1958: Top Star
It was a ball of 24 panels in 2 colors. One in brown and yellow leather and the other in white leather. For the first time a competition was held to select it.
Chile 1962: Mr. Crack
The first ball with a regular circular shape, the panels increased to 18. It was built by the Chilean company Custodio Zamora Honorato.
Inglaiter 1966: The Schlanger Challenge
25-panel leather ball with rectangular sections. It was made by the brand that made the Wimbledon tennis ball. The red color was used in the final.
Mexico 1970: Telstar
Classic ball appeared. This was the beginning of adidas’ relationship with the World Cup. It had 32 hand-stitched polygonal segments, they were black and white, to adapt its recording to television.
Germany 1974: Telstar Durlast
He placed 32 polygonal segments in black and white. It was similar to the previous model, but with black lettering and no gold.
Argentina 1978: Tango Durlast
He continued with 32 panels, but this time 20 contained a triad that created the illusion that there were 12 circles. It was named for the typical dance of the Río de la Plata.
Spain 1982: Tango Spain
It combined leather and polyurethane to make it even more waterproof and had a minimal amount of weight in case of rain. All 32 panels remain.
Mexico 1986: Aztec
This is the first synthetic microfibre ball. Received low water absorption. This was a major technological leap. It was accompanied by a tribute to Mexican culture.
Italy 1990: Unique Etruscan
He paid tribute to the Italian peninsula. It had an inner layer of black polyurethane foam for greater speed and made it completely waterproof.
United States 1994: Questra
Its name refers to an ancient word meaning search for the stars. It was innovative by adding stability nets and braided fibers.
France 1998: Tricolor
Named after the 3 colors of the French flag. It had a layer of synthetic foam which increased its durability.
Korea-Japan 2002: Fevernova
It had three layers woven for precision. In addition to a thin layer of synthetic foam rubber.
Germany 2006: + Team spirit
Sections were removed leaving the surface smooth for a better finish. It was the first to have sealed panels rather than stitched panels. Of the 32 segments, 14 curves were placed.
South Africa 2010: Jabulani
Its name means celebration in the Zulu language. It consists of 8 sealed panels, a layer of supercarbonate for more precise finishing. Highly criticized for being slippery.
Brazil 2014: Brazuca
It was made of 6 polyurethane panels fused to maintain the same weight and roundness, giving it better control, contact and stability. Conceived by goalkeepers and strikers.
Russia 2018: Telstar 18
It pays respect to the first ball made by Adidas with a black and white pixel design. It has a new face, recyclable packaging and a proximity data transmission chip.
Cataract 2022: Al Rihla
It has features that ensure a more colorful and dynamic game. Al Rihla means “the journey” in Arabic. Inspired by the culture, architecture and flag of Qatar.
