Hapoel Tel Aviv and Ludogorets Use 2026 World Cup Ball in Conference League Match
In a surprising tactical move during their Conference League second-leg match on July 30, 2026, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Ludogorets both played with the official 2026 World Cup ball. The ball, commercially available and sold by Adidas, is marketed as a regular match ball and is not mandated by UEFA for use until the league stage, where uniformity is required. This allows host teams to choose their preferred ball to gain a home advantage, as seen with Beitar Jerusalem opting for a different ball in a parallel match. Ludogorets selected the World Cup ball as their match ball, although it lacks the special chip technology used in the official World Cup games. Several Ludogorets players participated in the last World Cup, potentially giving them an edge in familiarity. This decision was not a direct UEFA directive but a strategic choice by the clubs involved.
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