Adidas In-Ball Technology Denies Ronaldo Goal, Awards it to Bruno Fernandes
Adidas' revolutionary in-ball technology has had its first major moment at the World Cup, as it awarded a goal to Bruno Fernandes after Cristiano Ronaldo had initially been given the credit in last night's Portugal vs Uruguay game.
AI Technology in Al Rihla Ball Strips Ronaldo of Goal
Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had collected another niche individual footballing record last night as he appeared to make the slightest contact with a Bruno Fernandes cross to glance the ball into the Uruguay net. He wheeled off in celebration, joined by his teammates who also believed he had gotten the final touch on the ball, only for FIFA to change the scoresheet five minutes later, crediting Fernandes with the goal instead of Ronaldo.
Had Ronaldo scored, he would have become the oldest person to score in consecutive games at a World Cup, but he'll have to start from zero again in his pursuit of that one. An incident like this could have ended up as one of the most enduring controversies had it happened at any previous World Cup, but not this time. The in-ball technology has the final say at this year's tournament, overruling the human eye and removing doubt from the equation.
"In the match between Portugal and Uruguay, using the Connected Ball Technology housed in adidas's Al Rihla Official Match Ball, we are able to definitively show no contact on the ball from Cristiano Ronaldo for the opening goal in the game. No external force on the ball could be measured as shown by the lack of 'heartbeat' in our measurements. The 500Hz IMU sensor inside the ball allows us to be highly accurate in our analysis." - Adidas statement.
The flat line indicates no impact on the ball as it passed Ronaldo's head.
Although the technology has played a role in every offside call made, this is the first time its use has been publicised so much. It's also quite fitting that Adidas were the ones responsible for denying Ronaldo the goal, which would have drawn him level with Eusebio on nine World Cup goals for Portugal. Even more so after their own star man, Leo Messi, put himself on par with Maradona in the Argentina World Cup top scorer stakes last week, netting his eighth. It's quite incredible really how they've always been neck and neck when it comes to achieving milestones like this.
Despite a lot being made of it on social media, Ronaldo took the news well, with none of the scowling or tantrum-throwing that he has been known to display at times. It looks like there's no hard feelings between himself and Bruno Fernandes anyway.
Are you glad the technology was there to prove who got the final touch on the ball? Or would you prefer that it was left up for debate with no possibility of a sure conclusion? Let us know in the comments.
Boca Juniors 26-27 Pre-Match Shirt Leaked - Official Look
@opaleak has leaked 2 new pictures of the new Adidas Boca 26-27 pre-match shirt.
The Boca Juniors 2026-27 pre-match jersey features a half-and-half design in the club's traditional colors, with a yellow right side and blue left side, complemented by contrasting sleeve colors and a blue crew-neck collar.
Special Adidas World Cup 'Match 1000' Referee Shirt
The second Group F match between Japan and Tunisia will mark the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history. FIFA has appointed Romanian referee István Kovács to officiate this historic milestone match, which will take place at Monterrey Stadium on June 20.
A special highlight of the occasion will be the referee's commemorative uniform: a bright red jersey featuring three gold stripes on the sleeves, along with a "MATCH 1000 FIFA WORLD CUP" badge.
Leaked: Adidas Originals River Plate Retro Shirt Hints at 26-27 Away Kit
We have the first image of a brand-new Adidas Originals River Plate retro shirt. It is part of the team's 26-27 away collection.
The River Plate retro shirt features a color-blocked design reminiscent of classic 1980s sportswear. The upper half of the torso and the raglan sleeves are solid red, while the lower half is crisp white. Separating the two sections is a prominent, thick black horizontal chest band. A classic white Adidas Trefoil logo and the traditional River Plate shield sit high on the chest, keeping the design completely free of modern sponsors for a pure, vintage aesthetic.
Vitória SC Announces Hummel Kit Deal
Vitória Sport Clube has officially announced a new five-year technical sponsorship deal with Hummel, beginning with the 2026-27 season. The Danish sportswear brand will supply the Portuguese club's match kits, training gear, and lifestyle apparel until the end of the 2030-31 campaign. This agreement brings an end to Vitória SC's decade-long partnership with Macron, who had been the club's kit maker since the 2016-17 season.
The club described the new agreement as a "return to the past to project into the future," referencing Hummel's previous stint as Vitória SC's kit supplier during 1992-92.
Boca Juniors 26-27 Shirt + Shorts, Socks & Pre-Match Jersey Leaked
We can leak the full look at the Boca Juniors 2026-27 home kit - it is completed by shorts and socks that match the stripe design of the kit.
SV Austria Salzburg 26-27 Home Kit Released
The new SV Austria Salzburg home kit for the 26-27 season has been officially released today. Made by Capelli, the new shirt will be worn by the club in the Austrian 2. Liga.
The Capelli SV Austria Salzburg 2026-27 home jersey features a bespoke design in the club's traditional colors. It incorporates two different tones of violet and is highlighted by a custom graphic showcasing the Hohensalzburg fortress and the towers of the old town, representing the team's local identity and heritage.
The Capelli SV Austria Salzburg 2026-27 home football shirt is available to purchase immediately through the club's official fanshop, retailing at a price of 69 Euro.