In contrast, the average yield in the mid and long portions remained unchanged. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Official Match Ball was released in dramatic way in Sydney / Gadigal, Australia, flying over the renowned Sydney skyline by helicopter before settling at Marks Park overlooking Bondi Beach.
The eighth consecutive football manufactured by adidas for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, OCEAUNZ’s design is inspired by the two host nations’ diverse natural settings, with imagery referring to Aotearoa New Zealand’s immense mountains and Australia’s link with the Indian Ocean.
The ball is a celebration of both host nations’ traditions, with creations by Aboriginal artist Chern’ee Sutton and Mori artist Fiona Collis. Their artwork is also included in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 brand identity, Beyond Greatness™.
Speaking about the launch of OCEAUNZ, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said: “adidas has created an iconic Official Match Ball for the FIFA Women’s World Cup that reflects diversity, inclusivity and togetherness, fitting themes for the first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by two different countries from different confederations. This edition of the tournament will be extremely special and the rich cultures of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, as evoked on OCEAUNZ, are certain to take the experience of visiting fans and teams #BeyondGreatness.”
The name of the Official Match Ball represents the pairing of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand as tournament hosts.
OCEAUNZ uses the same linked ball technology as the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. This gives exact ball data, which will be made available in real-time to Video Match Officials.
The unique linked ball technology, when combined with player position data and artificial intelligence, contributes to FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology and provides Video Assistant Referees with immediate information to aid optimize decision-making.
