Many industries were heavily affected by the pandemic, as for the sports industry, we have seen games cancelled, postponed or even played in empty stadiums. Such a phenomenon made many fans lose their passion, but fortunately, with the transition to an endemic phase, professional sports are able to return to its usual setting, and the FIFA World Cup 2022 will be the first World Cup to be held post-pandemic.
As we are anticipating the first winter World Cup in the Arabic region, let us get to know the mascot and official match ball.
Super-Skilled Player
Meet La’eeb, the mascot of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The name is defined as a super-skilled player in Arabic, which is relatable to every professional football player that is able to withstand all challenges to be qualified for the major sports event. It belongs to a parallel mascot-verse that allows people to interpret its purpose and meaning freely. But however we decide to define La’eeb, it will for sure bring lots of joy to the game this November and December 2022.
Lift the Joy of the Game
La’eeb is courageous, fun-loving and confident. It is set to shower football fans of both the old and young generations with inspirations and cheers right from the beginning to the last whistle of the final on 18th December 2022. To further boost the engagement of La’eeb with every football fan in the globe, GIFs and stickers of the mascot can be applied via numerous social media channels, namely Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, etc. Everyone is also encouraged to save its visuals as screensaver and filters!
So, those are some details about the mascot, it is time to talk about the match ball now.
Embracing the Journey
One of the most important components of the FIFA World Cup is the match ball. This year’s match ball, inspired by the rich culture, flag, structures, etc. of Qatar and named “Al Rihla” will be used.
The word “Al Rihla” means the journey in Arabic and as Adidas continues to be the sponsor of the match ball, “Al Rihla” is deployed to match the progressively pacey and speedy game in modern-day football. Furthermore, the brand highlights sustainability as its priority in sports goods production, hence “Al Rihla” is set to be the first official match ball produced with water-based glues and inks.
Does this info excite you about the World Cup already? Tell us what is your favourite mascot and match ball in the past FIFA World Cups.
(Photo Credits: FourFourTwo)
