Federal Agents Seize Over 7,000 Counterfeit Jerseys Ahead of World Cup Final

Department of Homeland Security agents in Newark seized 3,323 counterfeit jerseys valued at $49,450 during the 39-day 2026 World Cup. Investigators uncovered one shipment of 1,100 fake jerseys in an air cargo container at Newark Liberty International Airport. A separate operation in Kansas City netted 4,000 counterfeit items valued at $550,000.

Customs and Border Protection spokesman Michael Scappechio said smugglers route the goods to cities where teams are playing to place them near stadiums. "They're shipping these jerseys where the teams are playing. They want to get the jerseys closest to the stadium," he told the New York Post.

The final between Argentina and Spain is scheduled for MetLife Stadium, which holds up to 82,500 spectators for soccer matches and is expected to draw roughly 80,000 fans, including President Trump. The jerseys seized include stacks of Lionel Messi replicas after Argentina's semifinal win over England, Mexico's green kits, and suitcases of Cristiano Ronaldo shirts before Spain eliminated Portugal.

Federal officials identified China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, India, and Thailand as the primary sources of the counterfeits.

Official team jerseys with Nike or Puma branding and wicking fabric retail for as much as $185 each. Last year those agencies seized more than 276,000 counterfeit sports items worth over $33 million nationwide.