The World Cup is the biggest soccer tournament in the world, and it takes place every four years. A lot of people don't know this, but the soccer balls used in the World Cup are different from the ones used in regular season games. This year’s tournament will be held in Qatar, and the official ball for the event has just been unveiled. The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not held because of the Second World War. The current champion is France, which won its second title at the 2018 tournament in Russia. In this blog post, we'll take a look at what makes a World Cup soccer ball different and why they're used. We'll also touch on some of the controversy surrounding the use of these balls.
What's Different About World Cup Soccer Balls?
The first thing you'll notice about a World Cup soccer ball is that it's a lot darker than a regular soccer ball. This is because the balls are made with dark colors to help players see them better on TV. The second thing you'll notice is that they have a different texture. This is because they're made with a synthetic material that helps them keep their shape and not get waterlogged like regular soccer balls. Finally, World Cup soccer balls are always brand new. This is because FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, doesn't allow teams to practice with the actual game balls.
Why Are They Used?
The reason for all of these changes is quite simple: TV viewers want to be able to see the ball better on their screens. In regular season games, the ball is often white or light-colored, which can make it hard to see on TV. The darker color makes it easier for viewers at home to follow along with the action. As for the texture, it's there to help keep the ball's shape so that it doesn't get too squishy when it gets wet. And finally, FIFA requires that all teams use brand new balls in order to level the playing field between teams of different budgets.
The Controversy Surrounding The World Cup Balls
Not everyone is a fan of these changes, though. Some players complain that the synthetic material makes the ball harder to control, while others say that the darker color makes it harder to see in sunny conditions. There have even been calls for FIFA to go back to using traditional leather balls in future World Cups. But for now, it looks like these newer synthetic balls are here
to stay.
Eco Friendly Alternative to The World Cup Soccer Equipment
If you're looking for a more sustainable option, try an Eco Sports soccer ball like those from EcoBall. These balls are made from recycled materials called TPU that is much more sustainable than PU or PVC. They're also free of harmful chemicals like PVC and phthalates. And they're just as durable and playable as any other soccer ball on the market. So if you care about the environment, an Eco Sports soccer ball is a great choice for you!
Whether you're playing in the World Cup or just kicking around with your friends, it's important to choose a soccer ball that's right for you. So there you have it! That's everything you need to know about World Cup soccer balls. Did you know that they were different from regular soccer balls? Do you think FIFA should switch back to using leather balls? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!