February 21 – As the W Gold Cup kicked off at the Dignity Health Park in Carson, Los Angeles, in Beverley Hills, Concacaf and Molten were unveiling a new 7-year Official Ball supplier partnership.
It is a big win for the Japanese sports equipment supplier Molten who replace Nike in their own backyard.
Molten are already the official match ball supplier for the Asian Football Confederation and UEFA’s Europa League and Conference League club competitions. In the US they are the official ball supplier for the NCAA.
The Concacaf deal will begin immediately and run through to end 2030 covering all Concacaf men’s and women’s competitions.
“Molten has built up a very strong reputation for high quality and innovation through their partnerships in global football. We look forward with great anticipation to working with them to elevate our tournaments during what is certain to be a transformational era for Concacaf and for football in this wonderful region”, said Concacaf president Victor Montagliani.
As well as the World Cup in 2026, the US will host the Copa America this year with six Concacaf teams added to Conmebol’s nations, the expanded 2025 Club World Cup, the Women’s World Cup in 2027 if they win the bid, and the Olympic football tournament in 2028. It is a good time to be selling footballs in the region.
The first of Molten’s new Vantaggio 5000 balls was kicked in anger by Mexico’s women against Argentina an hour after the official announcement.
“Molten’s commitment and investment in women’s sports has always been a primary focus for the company. Concacaf’s dedication embodies Molten’s philosophy, continuing to support the growth of women’s sports as well as facilitating new opportunities for girls’ soccer in the future,” said Melissa Dawson, President of Molten USA (pictured left).
Molten have made much of their latest ACENTEC technology, which “produces a smooth, seamless cover that provides a uniform surface with minimum water absorption, ensuring exceptional performance in any weather condition”. It was needed in the California rain that marked the W Gold Cup opener.
Molten’s Vantaggio match ball will, after W Gold Cup, be in play the Concacaf Nations League final four between Jamaica, Mexico, Panama and the United States which will be hosted at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas from March 21 to 24, Concacaf Nations League Play-In, for last two Concacaf guest teams to qualify for the Copa America 2024.
“Molten will continue to pursue technological innovations and take on the challenge of creating the best possible products, while contributing to the further development of football in North and Central America and the Caribbean. We are looking forward to a continued close partnership, supporting all aspects of football in the future,” said Kiyofumi Tamiaki; CEO Molten Corporation.
Philippe Moggio, Concacaf general secretary (pictured right), echoed the sentiment saying: in the early weeks of this exciting new partnership, their commitment to Concacaf has been abundantly clear. Our work together to ensure the Concacaf W Gold Cup kicked-off last week with high quality and bespoke Concacaf W Gold Cup Vantaggio match-balls, through to exciting plans for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League Finals highlight what promises to be a great partnership,”
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