Mexico steps up its anti‑piracy drive ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Mexico is intensifying its crackdown on counterfeit World Cup merchandise as it prepares to co host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In Mexico City’s historic center, vendors continue selling fake jerseys, balls, keychains and other football goods, even as raids have made some sellers more cautious. A counterfeit Mexico jersey can sell for about 200 pesos, roughly one third of the official price.
The issue is also tied to trade tensions with the United States. Mexico remains on the U.S. “priority watch list” for piracy and intellectual property violations, and the matter is expected to be important in the upcoming USMCA review. U.S. authorities have criticized Mexico for weak enforcement, poor coordination and ineffective penalties.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government has expanded “Operation Clean Up,” with Mexican authorities reporting 21 operations and seizures worth about $901 million, including at least 25 tons of counterfeit goods involving brands such as Adidas, FIFA, Nike and Puma.
Despite these efforts, counterfeit trade remains deeply entrenched. Mexico’s tax authority estimated smuggling related tax losses of up to 22.843 billion pesos, about $1.3 billion, while business groups say the counterfeit market has grown almost 50% over the past decade. Experts warn that the World Cup could boost legitimate business but also create a major opportunity for illegal trade.
