2026 World Cup rolls out new match ball and special referee kits for semifinals and final

FIFA confirmed that a dedicated match ball, called the “Final Pro,” will be used for the semifinal and final matches of the 2026 World Cup. The ball features modified panel geometry and a surface texture designed to reduce drag and improve visibility in the humid, high‑altitude venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Organisers say the switch will aid player performance in the tournament’s most demanding games and create a limited‑edition collector’s item for retailers.

Adidas is also supplying a special red‑and‑gold referee kit for the semifinals, with speculation that the final’s officials may wear a predominantly white‑and‑gold or black‑and‑gold version. The kit’s bright base and metallic stripes are intended to stand out on the pitch. Both the ball and the referee uniforms represent the first time the World Cup will use equipment specific to its closing matches, highlighting commercial and logistical considerations for host‑city authorities and local merchants.