MOSCOW: World football's governing body FIFA on Tuesday announced that a new ball will be used for the knockout phase of the ongoing World Cup in Russia.
The adidas Telstar Mechta will replace the Telstar 18 used during the group stage of football's biggest tournament, FIFA said on Tuesday.
The new red design reflects the host nation's colours and the "rising heat" of the second half of the competition, it said, adding that the ball will be used for the first time on Saturday.