‘Al Hilm – The Dream’ ready for World Cup finals

Adidas unveiled ‘Al Hilm’, the official ball to be used in the Semi-finals and the Final of the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup, on Sunday.

The Arabic name Al Hilm translates as ‘The Dream’. The ball will follow the path of the official match ball from the group stages up until the Quarters, Al Rihla,

‘The Journey’, will feature a unique graphic design.

Al Hilm will feature the same technology used in AL Rihla, which includes unique Adidas innovation ‘connected ball’ technology, which helps the match officials make faster and more accurate decisions so that the fans can enjoy the World Cup action seamlessly.

By combining the ball data captured by IMU sensors within the ball and applying artificial intelligence, the new technology supports the semi-automated offside system, especially by providing the exact moment the ball is played in tight offside situations.

Director of Football Technology & Innovation at FIFA, Johannes Holzmüller, said, “With the development of the connected ball technology, Adidas made it possible that an additional important layer of information is available to the video match officials. The data from the ball unlocks new insights for storytelling around the unique moments on the pitch at this World Cup.”