US Customs Seizes $135,000 Worth of Fake FIFA World Cup 2026 Merchandise

INDIANAPOLIS, June 17:  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Indianapolis have seized counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise valued at more than $134,000 during a recent enforcement operation aimed at combating intellectual property violations ahead of the global tournament.

The operation, dubbed "Operation Winner's Circle," was conducted from June 1 to June 5 and resulted in the interception of 18 shipments containing fake World Cup-related products, federal officials said.

Authorities confiscated 1,578 counterfeit items, including 530 jerseys, 380 beanies, and hundreds of shirts and other merchandise bearing the logos of major sports brands such as Adidas, Nike and Puma. CBP estimated the seized goods would have been worth $134,594 if sold as genuine products.

According to officials, most of the shipments originated in Hong Kong and were destined for locations within the United States and abroad.

"Sports fans often pay big money for sports memorabilia," Indianapolis Port Director Brett Mueller said in a statement. "Counterfeit sports memorabilia de-funds our sports organizations, funds criminal networks, and scams the fans. Officers in Indianapolis work hard each day to protect our domestic businesses and American consumers."

CBP warned that the rapid growth of e-commerce has made it easier for counterfeit products to enter the United States through small parcels shipped directly to consumers, creating new challenges for enforcement agencies. The agency noted that counterfeit goods are frequently linked to broader criminal enterprises and often fail to meet quality and safety standards.

The enforcement action comes as authorities prepare for an expected surge in counterfeit merchandise linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is working alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), CBP and other federal partners to identify and disrupt networks involved in trafficking counterfeit goods associated with major international events.

DHS has said it is coordinating with federal, state and local agencies to ensure security during the World Cup while facilitating legal travel for international visitors. The department stressed that fans entering the United States lawfully to attend the tournament should not face immigration-related concerns and encouraged travelers to ensure their documentation is in order well ahead of the event.

CBP, which operates under DHS, is responsible for enforcing U.S. customs and trade laws, protecting intellectual property rights, securing borders, and preventing the entry of illegal goods, drugs and other contraband into the country.