Officials warned that these goods violate trademarks and urged fans to purchase memorabilia only from reputable retailers to avoid low-quality or unsafe products.
HOUSTON (CW39) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced Monday that, since May, officers with the Trade Enforcement Team at George Bush Intercontinental Airport have seized nearly 20,000 counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026 items with an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price of nearly $9 million. The seizures were made over multiple shipments as part of an enforcement effort targeting merchandise that violated FIFA trademarks.
What to know
CBP seized nearly 20,000 counterfeit FIFA World Cup items since May.
The fake merchandise was valued at nearly $9 million.
Items included jerseys, soccer balls, shot glasses, hand fans and dog jerseys.
Most shipments originated in China.
Officials urge consumers to buy licensed merchandise from trusted retailers.
What did officers find?
The counterfeit shipments included jerseys representing the United States, Mexico, Portugal, France, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Ecuador. Officers also seized shorts, soccer balls, hand fans, whiskey decanters, shot glasses and even soccer jerseys for dogs.
CBP said the shipments violated FIFA intellectual property rights and were intercepted before reaching consumers.
CBP has a significant role in protecting American consumers from low quality and potentially dangerous counterfeit items. Consumers should always be informed and know where they are buying their products.
Area Port Director Roderick Hudson
Why announce the seizures now?
CBP said it routinely increases enforcement before, during and after major sporting events, using intelligence and shipping trends to identify counterfeit merchandise tied to events such as the FIFA World Cup.
Most of the shipments originated in China and were destined for locations both inside and outside the United States.
Officials said counterfeit goods can fund organized crime while leaving buyers with poor-quality or potentially unsafe products. Beyond sports merchandise, CBP also regularly seizes counterfeit medications, cosmetics, toys, electronics and automotive parts.
Although the FIFA World Cup has wrapped up in Houston, officials say counterfeit merchandise continues to circulate online. CBP encourages consumers to purchase memorabilia only from reputable retailers and authorized sellers to avoid fake products and support legitimate businesses.
Rachel Estrada’s Headlines
Suggest a Correction
Close Modal
Suggest a Correction