Adidas introduces Telstar Mechta for the Knockout stages
The name, meaning ‘dreams’ or ‘ambitions’ in Russian, pays tribute to the FIFA World Cup™ ambitions of players and fans.
Adidas Football has revealed the Official Match Ball for the knockout stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. The Telstar Mechta comes with a new vivid red design inspired by the colours of the host nation, as well as the rising heat of knockout-stage football.
The name Mechta translates as ‘dream’ or ‘ambition’ in Russian and is constructed with the same design elements as the Telstar 18, the ball used throughout the group stage, but adapted to reflect the added intensity and opportunity the knockout stage brings.
The ball has a brand-new carcass that retains the best of the Brazuca, the Official Match Ball of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, while building in new technology to maximise performance. It went through extensive testing to ensure it suits the needs of the best players in the world. Some of the leading national and club sides have been involved in the testing process.
A progression from Official Match Balls of the past, a brand-new panel design features a metallic print execution and texture graphic effect, engineered to provide performance and durability both in the stadium and on the street. Sustainability has been a key focus of the Telstar 18 and Telstar Mechta, with elements including re-cycled backing material and packaging.
The Telstar 18 and Telstar Mechta feature an embedded NFC chip – the first time it is ever been used in an Official Match Ball – making it the most innovative FIFA World Cup™ ball to date. The chip enables consumers to interact with the ball using a smartphone. Upon interaction, each ball generates a unique identifier, unlocking exclusive content and information for the user. The personalised and location-aware experience displays specific details of each ball and provides access to challenges, which users can enter in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup™.
ALSO READ:
Messi v Ronaldo: The enticing QuarterfInal possibility
Talking Points: Has Lionel Messi finally arrived at the World Cup?
Could the sacking of Julen Lopetegui cost Spain the World Cup?
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]“The Telstar 18 was a huge step forward technically when it came to Official Match Balls," Dean Lokes, VP Product from adidas, said. "With the Telstar Mechta we have taken that same innovative design and re-imagined it, creating a ball that perfectly suits the pressures and opportunities of the FIFA World Cup knock-out stage.“
"Adidas and FIFA have enjoyed a long history of successful Official Match Balls over the past FIFA World Cup tournaments," Jean-Francois Pathy, Director Marketing Services at FIFA, commented on the launch. “This year, adidas delivers yet another beautifully designed ball, the Telstar Mechta, putting innovation and performance at the core of the game.”
Latest News
- Sandro Tonali charged with 50 more betting offences between 2023 August to October
- Harm Osmers to officiate Der Klassiker at Allianz Arena this weekend
- ISL 2023-24 action to resume with phenomenal double-header
- Chelsea injury update ahead of Burnley match; two new setbacks for the Blues
- Top five derbies in ISL
Trending Articles
- Saudi club offers massive €100m per season salary deal to Robert Lewandowski
- Which Indian football team players have played under current Afghanistan boss Ashley Westwood?
- FIFA World Cup 2026 & AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: 21 March All results
- One record Jurgen Klopp could not break as Liverpool manager
Editor Picks