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adidas Telstar Mechta – Official Match Ball for the Knockout Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

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adidas Telstar Mechta – Official Match Ball for the Knockout Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

adidas Soccer 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 colors of the host nation, as well as the rising heat of knockout stage soccer.

adidas Telstar Mechta - Official Match Ball for the Knockout Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

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.

adidas Telstar Mechta - Official Match Ball for the Knockout Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

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 maximize performance. The ball 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.

adidas Telstar Mechta - Official Match Ball for the Knockout Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

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 recycled backing material and packaging.

adidas Telstar Mechta - Official Match Ball for the Knockout Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

The Telstar 18 and Telstar Mechta feature an embedded NFC chip – the first time it has 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.

adidas Telstar Mechta - Official Match Ball for the Knockout Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Upon interaction, each ball generates a unique identifier, unlocking exclusive content and information for the user. The personalized 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™.

adidas Telstar Mechta - Official Match Ball for the Knockout Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

DEAN LOKES, VP Product from adidas, said: “The Telstar 18 was a huge step forward technically when it came to Official Match Balls. 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.“

JEAN-FRANCOIS PATHY, Director Marketing Services at FIFA, commented on the launch: “adidas and FIFA have enjoyed a long history of successful Official Match Balls over the past FIFA World Cup tournaments. This year, adidas delivers yet another beautifully designed ball, the Telstar Mechta, bringing innovation and performance at the core of the game.”

The Telstar Mechta will be available to purchase at online soccer specialists World Soccer ShopKitbagLovell Soccer and Pro:Direct Soccer.

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