Al Rihla at the end of the trip as Adidas bring in a new Al Hilm ball for the final rounds

December 12 – FIFA will release a new Adidas ball for the final four matches of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with the ball in action for the first time tonight in the Argentina-Croatia semi-final.

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Baptized Al Hilm, which translates to "The Dream" in Arabic, the new ball follows the Official Match Ball of the group stages, Al Rihla, or "The Journey".

The difference between the balls is the design with Al Hilm on a textured gold base color which features a subtle triangular pattern, drawing influence from the design of the sparkling deserts that surround Doha, the color of the World Cup trophy, and Qatar flag pattern.

In all other respects it is the same ball, using the same "connected ball" technology that transmits ball data to video match officials, supporting the new semi-offside system. automated and giving Video Assistant Referees (VAR) instant feedback to help with decision-making.

Designed with sustainability in mind, it is the first official match ball created with water-based glues and inks.

The clever tech part is a new adidas suspension system in the center of the ball that houses and stabilizes a 500Hz Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) motion sensor, which sends an unprecedented level of data and information to match officials.

Johannes Holzmüller, Director of Football Technology and Innovation at FIFA, said: "Through the development of connected ball technology, adidas has enabled a significant additional layer of information to be available to video match officials. Ball data opens up new avenues for storytelling around the unique moments on the pitch at this World Cup."

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