The World Cup ball is always ingrained within tournaments every four years. Technological advancements have evolved over the years, from the heavy Slazenger Challenge 4-star to the technologically advanced Adidas Al Rihla in 2022. The Adidas Tricolore in 1998 was the first multi-coloured ball ever used at a World Cup.
The World Cup is one of the greatest competitions in the world, with players dreaming of walking onto the pitch as mere athletes but walking off it as legends. Every four years, the best players around the globe put all their energy into trying to claim glory with their country, determined to cement their place in history in the process. However, all of that would not be possible without the main competition ball, which becomes a key element of every single tournament.
Adidas have made every World Cup ball since 1970, and they will continue to do so until the 2030 tournament at the earliest. The German company has enjoyed a powerful monopoly over every other designer in one of the hardest competitions in the world , eliminating any rivalry to inspire improvement. However, they still produced some stunning World Cup balls.
It's important to remember that technology has drastically changed since the first tournament in 1930. Balls are lighter, quicker and easier to use now compared to the middle of the 1900s, so technology should be considered in relation to the era it was in. Here are the greatest balls ever to grace the world stage.
Appearance - It's arguably th.