– The design is visually inspired by nature, paying homage to Australia’s vast landscape.
– Following its successful implementation in the 2022 FIFA World CupTM, the ball will be used across The pitch during the event will also be equipped with Connected Ball Technology, a breakthrough innovation that provides officials with precise ball data to support faster, more accurate decision making.
– 1% of OCEAUNZ’s worldwide net sales will only go to the Common Goal Movement for projects that promote gender equality in football by supporting grassroots initiatives facility to improve access to sport for women and girls, on and off the field.
– OCEAUNZ available for purchase January 25 at adidas stores, select retailers and online at adidas.com.
Herzogenaurach, January 24, 2023 – adidas today launched the OCEAUNZ, the Official Match Ball for the FIFA Women’s World Championships in Australia and New Zealand 2023™. This is the ninth ball in a row adidas has produced for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and is designed for the demands and pace of the modern game.
On a pearl white background. , OCEAUNZ’s design features blue and green trim, inspired by Australia’s unique landscape, with images reminiscent of New Zealand’s vast mountains and Australian connectedness with the Indian Ocean.
The cultural imprint and initials of the two host nations celebrate the union of Australia and New Zealand – as they prepare to host this premier tournament. Australian designs were created by renowned local artist, Chern’ee Sutton, while New Zealand signs were designed by Kiwi artist, Fiona Collis.
OCEAUNZ also decorated with designs that represent different elements of the sport, such as football and goals, ensuring that the game is represented on the ball.
Franziska Loeffelmann, Design Director Football Graphics at adidas: “With record viewing figures for the Women’s Euros tournament last year, the upcoming World Cup is set to be a massive moment for the game that we love. We’re turning up with a match ball that we’re incredibly proud of – featuring our innovative technology and with a design that represents the natural beauty of the landscape in which it will be played.
The game is always evolving, and the design of the OCEAUNZ is built to help players cope with the pace and demands of the modern game. We’re hugely excited for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and to see the women’s game lifted to even further heights, in two fantastic host nations.”
Like the official ball of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, OCEAUNZ uses connected ball technology to provide accurate ball data available to match officials in real-time video games. Combined with positional data and artificial intelligence, the innovative Connected Ball technology contributes to FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology and provides video assistant referees with instant information to optimize their decision-making.
OCEAUNZ Features:
CTR-CORE- is an innovative core inside the ball designed to improve precision and stability, allowing for fast and accurate play with maximum form and air retention.
SPEEDSHELL – Polyurethane (PU) ) The shell of the ball has micro and macro textures and a new 20-piece plate shape that improves aerodynamics.
CONNECTED BALLS TECHNOLOGY – The suspension system in the Center of the ball maintains and stabilizes the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) motion sensor, which provides an unparalleled understanding of every element of the ball’s motion. The sensor is powered by a battery that can be recharged inductively.
Following in the footsteps of Al Rihla and Al Hilm’s FIFA World Cup 2022™ Official Balls, adidas continues to contribute 1% to net sales of OCEAUNZ Official Balls from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand 2023™. Common Goal’s Global Goal 5 Accelerator; a collective project to increase women’s participation, representation and leadership in grassroots sport.
The program aims to increase girls’ participation, as well as the proportion of female coaches and female leaders in football for good community programs, helping ensure that every participating girl has a female athlete role model in her community.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand™ 2023™ begins on July 20, 2023 with host country New Zealand versus Norway and concludes with the final a month later on August 20.
OCEAUNZ costs €150 and is available now Available January 25th at adidas and select retailers and online at adidas.com
For more information, visit adidas.com or follow @adidasfootball on Instagram or Twitter to join the conversation.