Hapoel Tel Aviv and Ludogorets Use 2026 World Cup Ball in Conference League Match

In the Conference League second-leg match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Ludogorets on July 30, 2026, both teams played with the official 2026 World Cup ball. This choice was a tactical decision rather than a UEFA requirement. The World Cup ball is commercially available through Adidas stores and is marketed as a regular match ball. UEFA does not mandate the use of a specific ball until the league stage, allowing host teams to select their preferred ball to gain a home advantage. For example, Beitar Jerusalem used a different ball in a concurrent match. Ludogorets opted to use the World Cup ball as their match ball, although it lacked the special chip technology used in the actual World Cup. Several Ludogorets players participated in the previous World Cup, which was intended to provide them with an edge. This practice reflects strategic choices by clubs rather than official UEFA directives.