US Seizes Over 445,000 World Cup Counterfeit Items, Messi Jerseys Most Common
During the 2026 World Cup, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over 445,000 counterfeit World Cup-related items nationwide, causing an estimated $32 million in industry losses. The most seized items were fake Lionel Messi jerseys, according to New York Customs head Frank Russo. A special operation called 'Final Whistle' targeted counterfeit sales and transportation. Temporary stalls near Times Square sold fake Argentine jerseys for $30-$40, compared to $110 for official Adidas versions. New York alone accounted for 65,000 seizures, while Miami and Houston seized 16,000 and 12,000 items respectively. Toronto, Canada, also seized about 16,000 items. U.S. Customs noted that 60-70% of counterfeit goods shipped to the U.S. originate from China, and enforcement aims to prevent profits from flowing into organized crime. Separately, UK law enforcement seized 58,000 fake World Cup jerseys in Scotland valued at £5.5 million, a local record.
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