PR67-S09
Molten to supply the official match ball for
the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26
held by the Asian Football Confederation
Molten Corporation (Headquarters: Nishi-ku, Hiroshima City, Japan; President and CEO: Kiyo Tamiaki), a manufacturer of sports equipment, will supply the “AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 model” developed based on the 5th generation Vantaggio for the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 to be held by the Asian Football Confederation (hereinafter “AFC”; Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; President: Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa) from September 2, 2024 to November 18, 2025.
For the “AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 model,” the durability has been improved to ensure the ball will remain in good condition for a long period of time even when used in hot weather on the artificial grass. In addition, the ball was designed with consideration for the environment and uses recycled material for part of the surface materials.
The original design of the ball was created based on the logo of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.
Molten will continue to develop and supply football products of outstanding function and design to every level of player, and work to fulfill the brand promise, “For the real game.”
Datuk Seri Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, commented:
The AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 is set to be a thrilling showcase of the best of Asian football and we are delighted that Molten, with their proven expertise in delivering top-quality match balls, will enhance the excitement and standards of the high-intensity matches.
The AFC has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Molten, a trusted partner that has supplied match balls for the numerous world-class AFC competitions, and we are confident that both our teams and passionate spectators will benefit from this fruitful collaboration.
Kiyo Tamiaki, president & CEO of Molten Corporation, commented:
Molten feels very privileged to have the opportunity to provide the official game ball for the AFC Asian Qualifier™ - Road to 26.
The ball design features the AFC member associations competing to secure their spot for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
We believe that through this tough competition, Asian football will continue to improve and drive the level of competition to a higher level.
Molten is committed to continue manufacturing innovative products with the highest quality, combined with the mission to further support the development of football in Asia.
Product Features
1. Technology
The 5th generation ball has been improved to endure use under high temperatures. By using an adhesive with improved heat resistance, it reduces panel separation, which can occur under high temperature conditions, and improves the surface to be more resistant to peeling, enabling the ball to be used in the best condition for a long time.
The company’s unique thermal bonding technology “Acentec” is used to realize a smooth and seamless surface structure. Compared to a hand-sewn structure, the ball feels the same regardless of where it is kicked. Also, because the ball has a low water absorption, it does not absorb much water in the rain, so the players can play in the rain in the same way as they do on a sunny day.
2. Environment
The product has been developed with consideration for the environment by replacing some of the raw materials used for the ball’s surface with recycled materials.
3. Design
By using the same colors as the logo of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26, the ball will remind people of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 at a glance. The spectrum lines in each color express the AFC member associations’ desire to win the qualifier and earn a place in the FIFA World Cup 26™.
The silver line making up the base design expresses the movement of the players running around the pitch.
Product Overview
About Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body of Asian football and one of the six Confederations making up FIFA. Formed in 1954 in Manila on the sidelines of the second Asian Games, the AFC was sanctioned by FIFA in Berne, Switzerland. The AFC is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and consists of 47 Member Associations. The AFC is responsible for running football in Asia. Among its various responsibilities are: regulating the game, drafting new laws to improve the sport, implementing the law, boosting grassroots and youth football, and conducting major competitions.
About Molten
Molten is a manufacturer of competition quality sports balls and equipment since 1958, and has been manufacturing and selling game balls for basketball, handball, soccer, and volleyball based on uncompromising quality.
Molten creates the official game balls and other innovative products such as sports equipment that are used in international competitions, world’s top leagues and teams, and continues to increase the level of quality as the global standard.
Please visit our website for more details. URL: https://www.molten.co.jp/sports/en/
About “For the real game”
Molten’s brand statement, “For the real game,” encapsulates what we hope to accomplish through our products and activities. It’s a testament to our conviction and attitude that the real game happens only when impeccable balls and sports equipment enable athletes to realize their full potential and maximize performance.
We are committed to this brand statement and will continue our business activities by manufacturing high quality products.
Product image data (JPEG) is also available
Contact: Takeshi Fuki
International Market Sales & Marketing Department
Sports Division
Molten Corporation
Tel: (+81-3)3625-7648
Fax: (+81-3)3625-7738