World Cup Ball Must Be Charged Before Matches
The Adidas Al Rihla match balls need to be charged before each match to ensure the built-in sensor works as intended.
World Cup Balls Charged Before Each Match
Adidas and FIFA announced months ago that the Al-Rihla World Cup match ball would contain state of the art AI sensor technology to ensure accuracy in refereeing decisions. This was a new advancement in football technology but surprisingly, we didn't hear much about it during the tournament itself until it determined that Portugal's opening goal against Uruguay was scored by Bruno Fernandes and not Cristiano Ronaldo.
The ball and the technology inside has been quietly going about its business, but some new info emerged yesterday: the battery powered sensor inside the ball needs to be charged before each match. A fully charged battery lasts for 6 hours of active use, or 18 days when not in use. In a match situation, when a ball goes out of play and is replaced by a different one, the system automatically activates the sensor of the in-play ball without the need for human intervention. Providing they've all been fully charged of course.
While it's not surprising that some kind of power is needed to allow the technology to function, the image of a football plugged in to charge like a mobile phone at the side of the pitch is not something we ever expected to see. Balls have become a lot more technological over the years in terms of the materials used and how they are manufactured, but hooking one up to a power source before a match would not have been our guess on the next natural step in their development.
Looking like a precursor to - or maybe already a component of - the "internet of things", the sensor-fitted ball will not only deliver scientifically proven refereeing decisions, but it will play a significant role in the use of stats and data in football. New metrics are available because of it, adding more dimensions to how football can be analysed and affecting how teams prepare for, and therefore play the game.
Like it or not, this is the direction football is heading. Are you a fan of the technology? What's your view on the use of stats and data in sports analysis? Let us know in the comments.
Nike x G-Dragon South Korea 2026 World Cup Collection Debuted
In the recent match between South Korea and Mexico, the South Korean players wore special anthem jackets and pre-match shirt from a lifestyle collection created in collaboration with global star G-Dragon.
Black/Green Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 Boots Spotted
In the opening match between Haiti and Scotland, left-back Martin Expérience was spotted wearing the Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 boots in a black/green colorway. It is expected to be released soon.
Livingston FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Livingston FC have officially unveiled their new 2026027 home kit, made by Joma.
The new Joma Livingston FC 2026-27 home shirt features a dominant amber-yellow colorway and a large polo collar. The jersey also incorporates subtle embossed patterns that add a refined touch to the design.
Hibernian FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Hibernian FC have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 home kit and simultaneously announced a partnership with Reebok, replacing Joma as the club’s kit supplier.
The new jersey features a dark green base, complemented by a polo collar and raglan sleeves with white accents. Both the collar and sleeve cuffs are white, finished with green trim.
World Cup 'Debut' Patch is Attached to the Boots
Midfielder Luis Romo (31) made a memorable impact in his FIFA World Cup debut, scoring the only goal in Mexico’s 1-0 victory over South Africa. The win also made Mexico the first team to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Making his first-ever World Cup appearance, Luis Romo naturally had the honor of wearing the World Cup “Debut” Patch. Interestingly, however, he chose to attach it to his Tiempo Maestro boots rather than wear it on his shirt sleeve like most other players.
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.