U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized 1.578 counterfeit items related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a special operation in Indianapolis. The merchandise included jerseys, hats, and other products whose sale infringed on intellectual property rights associated with the tournament.
The procedure was developed between June 1 and 5 within the framework of the so-called Operation Winner's Circle, an initiative driven by CBP to detect suspicious shipments before and during major international sporting events.
According to the agency, agents intercepted 18 shipments containing counterfeit goods related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Had they been authentic, the products would have had an estimated commercial value of $134.594.
Among the seized items were 530 official World Cup jerseys, 380 hats, 349 garments from brands associated with the tournament such as Puma, Adidas, and Nike, as well as 319 other competition-related products. Most of the shipments originated in Hong Kong and were destined for various locations within and outside the United States.
Customs intelligence and risk management
CBP explained that the operation was designed based on intelligence gathering and analysis of trends observed at previous sporting events. The objective was to identify recipients and distribution channels involved in the trade of goods that infringe on trademarks and copyrights associated with FIFA and its licensees.
This type of action reflects the growing role of customs administrations in protecting intellectual property, a function that has become more relevant with the expansion of e-commerce and the increase in low-value shipments.
"Fans often pay significant sums for collectible sports memorabilia. Counterfeit products harm sports organizations, fund criminal networks, and deceive consumers," he noted. Brett Mueller, director of the Indianapolis port of entry.
Ecommerce
The U.S. customs authority warned that the rapid growth of e-commerce has multiplied the opportunities for counterfeit goods to enter the market through small postal shipments and express courier services.
According to CBP, more than 90% of the seizures The sale of counterfeit products currently occurs in international mail and courier environments, channels commonly used for cross-border e-commerce.
The agency also noted that counterfeiting is not limited to sporting goods. Medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, toys, luxury items, electronic devices, and auto parts are among the most affected categories, many of which pose potential risks to consumer health and safety.
The operation in Indianapolis is one of several carried out by CBP across the country and highlights how customs agencies are increasingly using technology, intelligence tools, and risk analysis to combat illicit trade. The agency is also promoting the campaign «The truth about counterfeit products», aimed at raising awareness about the risks associated with the trade in counterfeit goods.
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