Telstar 18: World Cup match ball

FIFA have unveiled the official match ball for the World Cup in Russia. The new adidas Telstar 2018 harks back to their first match ball in 1970

TELSTAR 2018
Russia: Modern interpretation of the iconic Telstar which was used from 1970-74, based on similar carcass to 2014 Brazuca

Six panels glued in seamless construction, with distinct 3D textured surface for greater control and grip


1970-74 TELSTAR
Mexico: Designed for black-and-white TV – 32 hand- stitched leather panels

1978-82 TANGO
Argentina, Spain: Sealed seams cut water intake

1986 AZTECA
Mexico: First synthetic ball with improved durability

1990 ETRUSCO
Italy: Polyurethane foam layer increases response and water resistance

1994 QUESTRA
U.S.: Polyethylene foam increases energy return, boosts speed

1998 TRICOLORE
France: Syntactic foam matrix layer further increases energy return

2002 FEVERNOVA
Korea/Japan: Durable woven chassis, syntactic foam. Speed can exceed 130km/h

2006 TEAMGEIST
Germany: 14-panel thermal-bonded layer. Surface responds more evenly for better control

2010 JABULANI
South Africa: Eight panels. Aero grooves improve flight stability

2014 BRAZUCA
Brazil: Six thermally- bonded TPU panels


Sources: FIFA, adidas
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