FIFA has unveiled a new official match ball for the semi-finals and final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But what is Adidas’ latest offering, Al Hilm, and what does it mean in English?
Well, Al Hilm translates from Arabic to English as The Dream. It replaces Al Rihla, meaning The Journey, as the official match ball for Qatar 2022 ahead of Argentina taking on Croatia and France meeting Morocco in the final four at the 22nd edition of the FIFA tournament.
FIFA will debut Al Hilm on Tuesday, December 13 for the first semi-final at the 2022 World Cup. Adidas provided Al Rihla as the official match ball for the group stage, last 16 and the quarter-finals. Both variations also make use of ‘connected ball technology’ to aid officials.
What is Al Hilm and what does it mean?
Al Hilm is the follow-on ball to Al Rihla that Adidas has created as the official match ball for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Both balls take their names from phrases associated with the FIFA tournament – being to ‘dream’ to win a title and the ‘journey’ teams take to the final.
Additionally, Adidas created both balls in partnership with FIFA to feature ‘connected ball technology’. A sensor inside the balls provides the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) real-time data to help expedite offside checks in a semi-automated process with player position data.
Al Hilm should only differ from the last match ball, Al Rihla, in its outer design
There should not be any differences between the two 2022 World Cup match balls, Al Hilm and Al Rihla, characteristically. Adidas has created the outer shell of each ball with 20 high-performance speedshell panels. Each panel is also grooved to aid its stability and swerve.
Adidas also developed the CRT-Core to improve its balls’ speed, accuracy and consistency. It also maintains the balls’ maximal shape and air retention at a higher level to the German brands’ past offerings. Adidas has exclusively made the balls for all World Cups since 1970.
Al Hilm differs from Al Rihla visually, though, with Adidas’ designing its second offering for Qatar 2022 on a gold base rather than white. FIFA also notes the deserts surrounding Doha inspired the triangular design of the panels, while the red markings represent Qatar’s flag.
FIFA and Adidas elected to use gold for Al Hilm, the ball to be used for the semi-finals and final of Qatar 2022, to represent the World Cup trophy. It is the 21st ball that the German sportswear brand has now made for the quadrennial international tournament since 1970.
Where can you buy the official match ball for the 2022 World Cup?
Fans wishing to buy either official match ball for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Al Hilm or Al Rihla, can do so via Adidas’ website. But supporters seeking to purchase a full-size replica of Al Hilm or a match-standard Al Rihla ball face paying out £130 to get their hands on one.
A miniature version of either ball will cost £15, while four lesser versions of Al Rihla can be secured for £20. Adidas is also selling versions of Al Rihla at £23, £30 and £43. Each variant differs marginally in terms of its construct and design from the £130 fully-fledged editions.
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